For those who have delinquent taxes owed to the state of Louisiana, there is good news.
The 2009 Louisiana Tax Amnesty Program started Tuesday.
The program forgives any penalties and half of the interest due.
Eligible taxpayers can apply for amnesty and make payments online at www.LDRAmnesty.com.During the two-month window of opportunity, taxpayers with outstanding balances of taxes can settle their accounts by paying all taxes owed, along with any assessed fees and 50 percent of the interest due.
For eligible accounts, the Louisiana Department of Revenue will waive all penalties and the remaining half of the interest.
“Starting today and continuing through Oct. 31, resident and nonresident taxpayers, as well as in-state and multi-state business, have an opportunity to get their accounts up-to-date,” Secretary of Revenue Cynthia Bridges said Tuesday.
“But the deadline is firm. Every day you delay, you risk letting the window close.”
Taxpayers eligible for the 2009 Louisiana Tax Amnesty Program include:
Those who failed to file a tax return or report;
Taxpayers who failed to report all income or all tax, interest, and penalties that were due;
Taxpayers who claimed incorrect credits or deductions;
Taxpayers who misrepresented or omitted any tax due; or
Certain taxpayers under audit or in administrative or judicial litigation.
Taxpayers who are under criminal investigation or who are involved in criminal litigation with LDR are not eligible for amnesty.
The 2009 Louisiana Tax Amnesty Program applies to:
All taxes administered and collected by LDR, except for motor fuel taxes;
Taxes that became due on or after July 1, 2001, and before Jan. 1, 2009 (since the last amnesty program);
Taxes due prior to Jan. 1, 2009, for which LDR has issued an individual or a business a billing notice or a demand for payment on or after July 1, 2001, and before May 31, 2009;
Taxes for which the taxpayer and LDR entered into an agreement to suspend the running of prescription until Dec. 31, 2009;
Taxes due on or before July 1, 2009, but were ineligible for an earlier amnesty program due to having a matter in civil litigation.