Iowa prepares for tax amnesty

By Dan Gearino | Wednesday, July 11, 2007

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Revenue has a new Web site and toll-free number to help with the upcoming tax amnesty, a two-month period beginning in September when people who owe back taxes can repay without penalty.

Iowans who want more information about the amnesty can go to iowataxamnesty.gov, or call (877) 422-5829. Both sources have information about who is eligible for the amnesty and how to apply.

“We have taxpayers out there who want to be good citizens and pay what they owe the state,” Mark Schuling, director of the department, said at a Tuesday news conference.

Companies and individuals who use the amnesty pay no penalty and only half of accrued interest. The special terms are available from Sept. 4 to the end of October.

In addition to the Web site and toll-free number, the department also has a new slogan for the amnesty: “Pay the tax and relax.”

The last time Iowa had a tax amnesty was in 1986, when the slogan was, “Back tax relief for you and Iowa.” About 6,500 taxpayers took advantage of the opportunity and paid $36.5 million.

Revenue department officials estimate that up to 10,000 taxpayers will step forward this year, with about $54 million worth of payments.

The 1986 amnesty was the first in state history. Gov. Chet Culver signed the new amnesty into law earlier this year. The measure says that another amnesty cannot be held until 2025.

Dan Gearino can be contacted at (515) 243-0138 or dan.gearino@lee.net.