BATON ROUGE – Louisiana Tax Amnesty 2015 is underway, giving individuals and businesses who have fallen behind on their taxes an opportunity to make a fresh start.

 

The one-month tax amnesty program started today and will run through Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2015. During the amnesty period, individual and business taxpayers are offered a fresh start to bring their delinquent tax accounts up to date by clearing unpaid tax bills and filing overdue state tax returns.

 

“This will be the final amnesty program offered by the state for at least 10 years. That is why it is so important for delinquent taxpayers to take advantage of this opportunity to make a fresh start with their taxes,” said Secretary of Revenue Tim Barfield. “We have made this process very simple, allowing taxpayers to make installment payments. The department is ready to assist them in clearing up their accounts.”

 

Noncompliant taxpayers have a limited amount of time to take advantage of amnesty. The 2015 Tax Amnesty Program is the third and final effort permitted by the Louisiana Tax Delinquency Amnesty Act of 2013. After the conclusion of the 2015 amnesty period, there will be no new amnesty program offered by the Department of Revenue until at least 2025.

 

Eligible taxpayers can apply for amnesty online at www.ldrtaxamnesty.com  or call 1-866-782-9241 for more information.

Taxpayers can pay their overdue tax liabilities through electronic payments or through an established installment agreement over a six-month time period.

Taxpayers in the following categories are eligible to apply for amnesty:

• Taxpayers who failed to file a tax return or report
• Taxpayers who failed to report all income or all tax, interest and penalties that were due
• Taxpayers who claimed incorrect credits or deductions
• Taxpayers who misrepresented or omitted any tax due
• Certain taxpayers under audit or in administrative or judicial litigation

Taxpayers involved in a criminal investigation or criminal litigation for taxes administered by LDR do not qualify for the amnesty program.

For more information, visit www.ldrtaxamnesty.com.