The State of Arizona is offering a deal to people who failed to pay their taxes. The Department of Revenue will waive interest and penalties to those who qualify for its amnesty program.
While working on last year’s budget, legislators expected the program to generate about $15 million dollars. It turned out to be more than $55 million. That led lawmakers to require the program be repeated.
“We don’t really have a specific expectation nor do we want to create a false expectation that this year is going to be as robust as last year,” said Department of Revenue spokesman Sean Laux.
He said more than 2,000 taxpayers took part last year. They included residents, retailers and corporations that owed income and sales taxes.
"Obviously we hope everyone files and pays on time," he said. "It’s just sometimes the economy goes bad, you know things happen and folks get behind on their taxes and sometimes it’s beyond their control and this allows for those people to come in compliance.”
The Arizona Tax Recovery Program will run from September 1 through October 31. Laux said taxpayers who are currently under audit are not eligible.
