April 26, 2011

Tax Amnesty Available Until June 30, 2011

For a 45-day period this spring, the Michigan Department of Treasury will offer an opportunity for delinquent taxpayers to pay their state taxes and have penalty charges waived through Tax Amnesty. Regardless of the reason a taxpayer has fallen behind, All Excuses Welcome, through Michigan's Tax Amnesty program.

The Department of Treasury today, kicked off the public awareness effort for Tax Amnesty under the theme "All Excuses Welcome." The Amnesty period runs from May 15 until June 30, 2011. Any individual or business that has a state tax debt, or that has not filed a tax return for a qualifying tax year, can avoid penalties and possible prosecution through Tax Amnesty.

"The process of filing for Amnesty is a relatively easy one," said State Treasurer Andy Dillon. "Once a taxpayer determines if they have taxes that qualify, they can download a one-page Amnesty application from our Web site, fill in the appropriate information, and send it in to the department, with full payment of the tax and interest due."

The Tax Amnesty site, located at www.mitaxamnesty.org, includes an interest calculator to help taxpayers determine the interest due as well as the penalties that have been avoided. A list of frequently asked questions is also available, as well as Webcasts that provide a program overview and assistance in filling out the Amnesty application.

"Treasury staff, from several bureaus and work areas, has spent the last several months developing forms and instructions, Web sites, and aligning IT systems for the Amnesty program," said Chief Deputy Treasurer Donna Donovan. "It has been a tight timeframe but through our staff's efforts and with excellent cooperation from the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, we are ready to begin accepting Tax Amnesty applications."

For more information on Michigan's Tax Amnesty program, visit www.mitaxamnesty.org.