State's tax amnesty program on track

Scofflaws have paid more than $4.5M so far

By LIAM FARRELL, Staff Writer

Published 10/23/09

Maryland's tax amnesty program is on track to produce a modest financial gain for the state, with less than two weeks left for scofflaws to enroll, according to the state Comptroller's Office.

As of Monday, about 2,400 people had been accepted into the program and more than $4.5 million had been collected in back taxes and interest.

In a statement, Comptroller Peter Franchot urged delinquent taxpayers to "take advantage of this rare opportunity, which may never be offered again."

"We expect to receive an abundance of applications between now and the deadline," he said. "So, the sooner you...

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You're right... - 2009-10-23 22:51:16

Jen,

You are right. You should get a retroactive credit for the interest and penalties. However, there is nothing fair about the way the government works so you won't. I'm all for the amnesty program though. I mean, why not charge a reasonable interest rate for late payers? If a private business charged the interest and penalties that the state charges, they would be ridiculed by those same politicians for charging "outrageous" amounts. They may even be charged with Usury!

By the way, you may want to have a chat with your tax preparer or attorney. They should have known to tell you NOT to pay anything until the amnesty program started. It's not like it was a mystery.

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David M. - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Neutral

This sends me to orbit..... - 2009-10-23 14:39:53

For the last two years, I have been (unfortunatly) behind in my tax payments. I have had to pay interest and penalties, even back to the point of what should have been collected in the first, second, third, etc. quarter...I paid the state off, then they keep coming up with this amnesty crap. Letting every one who has not dealt with their tax issues off the hook. Does this mean I get credit for paying my penalties...You can bet I will find out and I can't wait for the response from Francot !

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Jen Rhoades - Annapolis, MD - Karma: Excellent