Florida’s 2010 tax amnesty program, which will end on Sept. 30, has been drawing a lot of attention. The state reported that between Aug. 1-31, nearly 27,000 contacts were made with the Department of Revenue concerning the program, including phone calls and inquiries at the state’s Service Centers. In addition, the amnesty web page received 34,961 hits.
The statement said nearly $54 million in taxes was collected and more than 18,000 amnesty agreements signed.

The amnesty covers all taxes administered by the department with tax liabilities due before July 1, 2010, except unemployment taxes and the Miami-Dade County Lake Belt fees.

An amnesty agreement form must be submitted to the department by anyone wanting to participate in the program.

Taxpayers who identify a tax liability unknown to the department are required to pay only half as much interest as they would if the department uncovered the unpaid tax later.  If the department has already identified the tax liability in a bill, through a billing or assessment or had already scheduled an audit, the taxpayer is eligible for a one-fourth reduction in interest charges.

Also, taxpayers will receive a full waiver of penalty under the amnesty. Installment agreements are available for those who cannot pay the full amount by Sept. 30.

A business is eligible if its liability for tax, penalty or interest was due on or before June 30, 2010, and it meets the following criteria: complete a Tax Amnesty Agreement (www.myflorida.com/dor/amnesty); its liability is not already covered by a settlement or payment agreement; it is not under criminal investigation for violating a Florida revenue law; and it has not been convicted of violating any Florida revenue law.

With only days remaining for the amnesty, the department is urging taxpayers wanting to take part in the program to act quickly to complete the necessary documents.

Information is available, including the Tax Information Publication and Tax Amnesty Agreement form, on the department’s website, myflorida.com/dor/amnesty.

Taxpayers may also find local service center locations and phone numbers at http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/taxes/servicecenters.html or by calling 800-352-3671 for amnesty information.