Maine is offering a tax amnesty program that runs from September 1, 2010, to November 30, 2010. This program will give taxpayers the opportunity to receive interest and penalty waivers when they pay their delinquent tax debt.
Which Tax Debts Qualify for Maine Tax Amnesty?
Maine’s tax amnesty program is split into two separate initiatives, the “short-term initiative” and the “five-year initiative”. The short-term initiative applies to tax liabilities that were assessed as of December 31, 2009, as well as interest and penalties assessed after that date. The five-year initiative applies to tax liabilities that were assessed as of June 30, 2005, as well as interest and penalties assessed after that date.
You can still participate in the amnesty initiatives if your tax debt is subject to a pending administrative or judicial proceeding. However, debts resulting from a criminal conviction or debts for which the state has a warrant or a civil judgment do not qualify. In addition, you cannot apply for amnesty if you are currently charged with a violation of Maine state law.
Penalty and Interest Waivers
If you qualify under the short-term initiative you are eligible to receive a waiver of 95 percent of the assessed penalties only. If qualify under the five-year initiative, you are eligible for a waiver of 95 percent of the assessed penalties and interest.
What You Give Up In Exchage
By participating in Maine’s amnesty program you agree that you will:
- Forgo or withdraw a protest, administrative proceeding, or judicial proceeding for amounts paid under the initiatives
- Not claim a refund for amounts paid under the initiatives
How to Apply
To receive this tax amnesty, you will need to file a 2010 Tax Initiatives Application and pay all tax, interest, and penalties.
Additional information
Law authorizing the amnesty for 2010: Maine Public Law Chapter 571, Part HHState tax agency: Maine Revenue Services