The District of Columbia is one of several jurisdictions implementing tax amnesty periods this year as governments nationwide seek to close budget gaps. That’s great news for delinquent taxpayers who now have the opportunity to avoid prosecution, have their penalties and fees waived, and pay outstanding taxes and interest to the city government.
These opportunities will be provided through the DC Tax and Amnesty program, which will run from Aug. 2 to Sept. 20. “This is a good chance for people who have taxes due to step up and do the right thing,” said the District’s chief financial officer Natwar M. Gandhi in a statement. “We understand that people and businesses are going through tough times, so we are pleased to offer this opportunity for real savings for District taxpayers who have fallen behind with their tax obligations.”
As part of the amnesty program, Dctaxamnesty.com has been established to help tax delinquents expedite payments and resolve their tax liabilities. Among the issues addressed are eligibility requirements, necessary documents plus the application form.
Forty-two thousand individuals and businesses owe receivables of $170 million to the District. Sixty percent of those in debt are located in the District with 40 percent outside, primarily in the Maryland and Virginia suburbs. The amnesty applies to all taxes administered by the Office of Tax and Revenue with the exception of real property-related taxes and the ball park fee. All periods covered by tax returns prior to Dec. 31, 2009, are eligible.
Taxpayers can call the Office of Tax and Revenue at 202-727-4TAX (4829), e-mail questions to dctaxamnesty@dc.gov, or visit the service center at 1101 Fourth St., S.W., Suite W270, between 8:15 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.