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Athens Tax Amnesty Program Rakes In $26,700 So Far
By: Jenn Halliday
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“Non-taxpayers” in the city of Athens are running out of time to file their income tax returns. The one-time income tax amnesty program being offered by the city will come to a close this Friday.
With three days left in the amnesty period, Athens Income Tax Administrator Tina Timberman says it has been a “huge success.” The city predicted that the program would bring anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000. To date, they have already collected $26,700.
The amnesty is an opportunity for Athens residents to file and pay delinquent income taxes with no penalty and a reduced interest rate. During the amnesty period, the city is waiving all penalty charges and half of the interest.
The program is being offered before the city of Athens begins contracting with the Centralized Collection Agency (CCA) to compare the city of Athens database to the IRS database. The records will be used to pursue non-filing taxpayers as well as under-reporting taxpayers. Failure to report these taxes can get you into trouble with the government, leading to large fines and penalties.
“I’ve still been getting phone calls,” Timberman said. “We’ve had a little over 20 people come forward so far. We’ll see how many more people come in.”
Timberman expects the grand total to top $30,000 by the Friday closing date. Although only a few days remain in the amnesty, the city is encouraging anyone with delinquent taxes to come forward before it’s too late.
“If the CCA finds problems after the amnesty period, expect penalties and interest rates that are through the roof,” Timberman said.
The city of Athens is also offering a payment plan option for people who are unable to pay their taxes in full. For more information on the amnesty period and access to tax forms, visit ci.athens.oh.us/taxamnesty.