By Jacque Day
Illinois – Illinois taxpayers now have the opportunity to pay overdue state taxes without penalty or interest. Illinois Tax Amnesty launched Friday and runs through November 8. The program covers tax debt beginning June 30, 2002 going through July 1, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn says this is not the first time Illinois has sponsored amnesty from state tax penalties. The last time was 2003.
"They are not going to be year-after-year amnesties, but every so often we have found that this is a good way to bring forward men and women in Illinois, businesses as well, that owe money to the state."
Spokesperson Susan Hofer says the state's collectible pool of outstanding tax debt amounts to about $239 million. They're also hoping the amnesty will encourage people who haven't filed to come forward. To receive the interest and penalty waiver, taxpayers must fully pay any overdue taxes by November 8.