Tax amnesty program coming to a close

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- If you owe back taxes in Rhode Island, you have just two days left to take advantage of the state's tax amnesty program.

The phones have been ringing off the hook at the Division of Taxation's call center, and for good reason. Whether you're one year or ten years behind on your taxes, the anxiety can be overwhelming, which is why the state is trying to cut you a deal.

"It's a great opportunity for people, coming out of a recession, which we did in the state," said RI Tax Administrator David Sullivan. "Clean your slate, get a fresh start, put this tax delinquency behind you."

The deal is about to expire though, with the amnesty period ending at midnight on Thursday, Nov. 15. If you file the amnesty application, file your past-due returns and pay your back taxes, the division will:

• Waive all penalties
• Reduce interest by 25 percent
• Agree not to pursue civil or criminal penalties
• Agree not to block your license renewal

Under the tax amnesty program, the state has collected $9.3 million from 4,100 past due accounts so far, but there are 70,000 accounts in total, representing $122 million in back taxes.

"We do have the tools, and we're going to have more tools in the future to be able to proactively collect taxes owed to the state," added Sullivan. "I would strongly encourage people to come forward under this program."

In order to qualify for the program, you have to be able to pay all of your back taxes at once. The state will allow a very short-term limited payment agreement up until Dec. 15.

For an application and more information about the tax amnesty program, visit the Division of Taxation's website.