TRUMBULL COUNTY State tax official visits area to push amnesty program

Amnesty applies only to taxes the state doesn't know you owe.
By STEPHEN SIFF
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- Delinquent taxpayers have one more month to take advantage of Ohio's Tax Amnesty program, which forgives fines and possible criminal penalties in exchange for paying back taxes.
Until the tax amnesty period ends Jan. 15, the Ohio Department of Taxation will also forgive half the interest.
The program only applies to people and companies whose tax liabilities are not known to the state department of taxation. Those who have received a bill, an assessment, or been contacted for an audit are not eligible to apply.
"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said amnesty program director Bonnie Reed at a joint press conference Wednesday with Trumbull County Treasurer David Hines.
"It has never been offered before in the state of Ohio, and it may never be offered again," she said.
Reed was in Warren to promote the program, which is expected to bring about $17 million into Ohio's tax coffers this year. Once the delinquent taxpayers are in the system, it is anticipated that they will continue to pay an additional $5 million a year, she said.
How it's working: Since Oct. 15, about 6,800 people have filed returns under the amnesty program, handing over a total of $8.4 million.
The amnesty program covers personal and school district income, employer and school district withholding, pass-through entity, corporate franchise, public utility excise, sales, use and personal property taxes which were due on or before May 1.
"Amnesty is not available for real estate property tax," Hines said.
After the amnesty period the Ohio Department of Taxation will redouble its efforts to go after those who have not stepped forward.
Reed said the department has 33 percent more auditors and a more extensive computer system to track down deadbeats.
"Come knock on our door before we come knocking on your door," she said.
XInformation about the amnesty program is available at the department of taxation's Web site, www.state.oh.us/tax/, or by calling (800) 304-3211. Forms are also available at county treasurers' offices.