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Beginning on January 15, 2010 and ending on March 15, 2010, New York State will be running a Tax Amnesty program. While not calling it amnesty (it’s called “P.A.I.D.”), almost anyone that owes New York State back taxes can settle the amount due for less than the current balance if the debt is more than three (3) years old.
Specifically if the New York State Department of Taxation & Finance issued an assessment prior to December 31, 2006,  the Department will settle the amount due for 50% of the interest and 50% of the penalties (plus all the tax) that is currently due. If the assessment was issued prior to December 31, 2003 the Department will settle the amount due for 20% of the interest and 20% of the penalties (plus all of the tax) that is currently due. The settlement must be paid in full to the Department by March 15, 2010. Most, but not all, Taxpayers and assessments are eligible for the program if they meet the time period requirements.
The Department issued additional positive news that there is a new Taxpayer Advocate’s office. This office has now begun helping individuals and businesses by addressing specific critical issues and by correcting systematic problems with the Department. To request help on a specific matter, New York State form DTF-911 should be completed. It appears as if the State is attempting to model their advocate’s office after the IRS Taxpayer Advocate’s office.
Additionally, Taxpayers can still use the State’s Voluntary Disclosure Program, Request Penalty Abatement, or Dispute an Assessment with the Bureau of Conciliation and Mediation Services. When you have a tax problem there are many ways to address and solve it, running from it never helps!
If you need help with a Sales and Use Tax problem, please call us so we can help you use the tools that are available to solve the issue. |
