For Immediate Release
March 22, 2010
Contact: Tim Nyquist
(717) 787-7084
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Scarnati Says State Tax Amnesty Period Set for April 26 – June 18

Penalties, 50% interest waived for those who pay delinquent taxes.

(HARRISBURG) -- A tax amnesty period will take place from April 26 to June 18 for Pennsylvania taxpayers delinquent on state taxes, according to Sen. Joe Scarnati (R-Jefferson).

"During this limited timeframe, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue will waive 100 percent of penalties and half of the interest for anyone who pays delinquent state taxes,” Scarnati said.  "For those who qualify, this is a great opportunity to meet their tax obligations.”

Individuals, businesses and other entities with Pennsylvania tax delinquencies as of June 30, 2009, are generally eligible to participate in the Tax Amnesty program. Delinquencies include non-filed tax returns or reports, as well as unpaid or under-reported, whether known or unknown to the PA Department of Revenue.

To obtain PA Tax Amnesty, you must do the following between April 26 and June 18, 2010:

• File an amnesty application online with the PA Department of Revenue. 
• Pay all delinquent taxes plus 50 percent of the interest due.
• If applicable, prepare and file state tax returns for all periods for which returns were not filed, or file amended returns for all under-reported tax.

According to the Revenue Department, taxpayers will only be able to apply for Tax Amnesty online; no paper application will be available. The online application will be available for the duration of the Tax Amnesty period, from April 26 through June 18. Step-by-step instructions will be available to taxpayers, detailing how to complete and submit a Tax Amnesty application.

The Department of Revenue will post more details on how to apply on its website, www.revenue.state.pa.us, closer to the start date of April 26.