News Release
October 23, 2001 - Columbus, Ohio
- TAFT PROMOTES TAX AMNESTY OPPORTUNITY
COLUMBUS – Ohio Gov. Bob Taft today urged
taxpayers who have fallen behind on their taxes to hurry and
take advantage of Ohio’s first-ever Tax Amnesty program, for
themselves, their neighbors and the state.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for eligible taxpayers to
settle their bill at the lowest possible cost, but I would
emphasize that tax amnesty runs only through January
15, 2002," Taft said, and added, "We won’t be offering this
opportunity again."
He said tax amnesty offers an incentive to delinquent
taxpayers to step forward and pay their debt in full. Those
who are eligible will pay no penalties and only half the
interest normally charged. The amnesty offer is available
only to taxpayers with a tax liability that is unknown or not
yet discovered by the Ohio Department of Taxation.
"Ohio Tax Amnesty is important to the state and local
governments, too," Taft continued. "Times are tight and the
revenue from amnesty is critical to our efforts to provide
services that are important to all Ohioans." The Department
of Taxation estimates the program will generate about $17
million immediately and then up to $5 million annually
afterwards from newly enrolled taxpayers.
Taxes covered by the program are: personal and school
district income, sales and use, employer and school district
withholding, pass-through entity, corporate franchise, public
utility excise and personal property. Amnesty is available
for taxes that were due on or before May 1, 2001 and only
unknown liabilities, meaning those for which the Department
of Taxation, has not issued a bill, an assessment or begun
audit proceedings.
Tax Amnesty applications are available at any Ohio Department
of Taxation Service Center, by calling 1-888-405-4039 between
8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by downloading the
form from the department web site at: http://tax.ohio.gov/.
Applications also are available at many County Auditor’s
offices.
Completed applications, returns and payment of the tax and
interest owed should be sent to the Ohio Department of
Taxation, PO Box 2619, Columbus, Ohio 43216-2619. Returns
mailed to another address or without the amnesty application
may result in a denial of amnesty.
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For more information contact: Gary Gudmundson, Communications
Director, Ohio Department of Taxation; (614) 644-6903 or Mary
Anne Sharkey, Director of Communications, Office of Governor
Bob Taft, (614) 644-0957