State Eyes $100 Million In Tax Amnesty Program

Program Will Start Nov. 1 And Run Through Dec. 30

SEPT. 19, 2024…..Massachusetts taxpayers who failed to file state returns or have unpaid assessments will get a chance later this year to get back on track while avoiding the normal penalties and associated interest payments.

The Department of Revenue announced Thursday that a new tax amnesty program will run from Nov. 1 through Dec. 30. The state over the years has periodically launched amnesty programs as a method of getting taxpayers to comply with their obligations.

The program was authorized through outside section 225 of the annual state budget, which slotted in an expectation that $100 million in revenue collected through the amnesty program will be available to support the budget.

“I urge individuals and businesses to take this opportunity to voluntarily pay their back taxes and interest beginning November 1,” Revenue Commissioner Geoffrey Snyder said in a statement.

The department has a webpage up with answers to frequently asked questions and a list of eligible tax types, which include individuals, businesses, estates or trusts. The program features a three-year limited look-back period for individuals who failed to file required returns.

Those ineligible for amnesty includes taxpayers under tax-related criminal investigation or prosecution, those who received prior amnesty relief in 2015 or 2016 for the same tax type and period, taxpayers in active bankruptcy, and taxpayers who filed a false or fraudulent return.

Eligible taxpayers with an existing tax liability will receive an amnesty eligibility letter, the department said, and outstanding returns must be filed for the amnesty period requested, and all tax and interest due must be paid by Dec. 30, 2024.