Former Gov. Mitch Daniels' Newsroom

Contact: Jane Jankowski
Phone: 317-232-1622
Email: jjankowski@gov.in.gov
GOV2

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2005
Governor signs bill authorizing tax amnesty
INDIANAPOLIS (May 12, 2005) – Governor Mitch Daniels’ plan to pursue hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid taxes owed the State of Indiana by offering delinquent taxpayers a one-time opportunity to pay up without penalty became law today with his sig

INDIANAPOLIS (May 12, 2005) – Governor Mitch Daniels’ plan to pursue hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid taxes owed the State of Indiana by offering delinquent taxpayers a one-time opportunity to pay up without penalty became law today with his signature on HEA 1004.

 

It is estimated that Indiana is owed more than $600 million in delinquent taxes. The Department of Revenue will offer tax amnesty from Sept. 15 to Nov. 15. Penalties, interest and collection fees, and criminal and civil prosecution will be waived for delinquent taxpayers who take advantage of the amnesty opportunity.

 

Collections estimates for the program range from $65 million to $103 million.

 

Indiana is one of a very few states that has never used this tool, and as we move to balance our budget after a decade of red ink, it makes good sense to do so,” said the governor. “Delinquents need to understand they get this one chance to pay up, or face double penalties and aggressive enforcement.”

 

The state is owed taxes from individuals and businesses in every county in Indiana and from residents and businesses in nearly every other state in the country.

 

Amnesty is available for taxpayers who did not file required Indiana tax returns, have under-reported tax liability, claimed excessive deductions, or did not pay previously assessed taxes, interest, penalties or collection fees for tax periods ending before July 1, 2004.

 

Eligible taxpayers who do not participate in the tax amnesty program will be subject to double the penalty in addition to applicable interest, fees and penalties.

 

The Department of Revenue will roll out the complete tax amnesty program in the coming weeks. Details will be posted on the Indiana Department of Revenue Web site at www.in.gov/dor/.

 

The bill’s author is Rep. Eric Turner, R-Marion, with co-authors Rep. Richard McClain, R-Logansport; Rep. Luke Messer, R-Shelbyville, and Rep. Peggy Welch, D-Bloomington. The Senate sponsor was Sen. Luke Kenley, R-Noblesville, and the co-sponsor was Sen. Murray Clark, R-Indianapolis.

 

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Office of the Governor media contact: Jane Jankowski, 317/232-1622; jjankowski@gov.in.gov