Texas Amnesty Program Offers Delinquent Business Owners A Clean Slate

The Texas Amnesty Program allows some business owners who are delinquent on previous state filings to “wipe the slate clean” from any outstanding penalty and interest fees owed. But this program has a deadline that is quickly approaching!

The Texas Amnesty Program that began on May 1, 2018, will only run through June 29, 2018. So if this applies to your current business situation, then take advantage of this program before it expires.

Details of the Amnesty Program

There are a couple things to note before you rush to seek amnesty. According to the Texas Comptroller's website, the amnesty program does not apply to accounts certified to the Office of the Attorney General that are in current litigation or those that have been reduced to judgment. It also does not apply to filing periods under audit or those identified for an upcoming audit. Also, it does not apply to the following:

• Local motor vehicle tax
• International Fuel Tax Agreement taxes
• Public Utility Commission gross receipts assessments
• Unclaimed property payments

Eligible taxpayers include those who did not file for a period before January 1, 2018, as well as underreported taxes or fees.

How to Apply for the Amnesty Program

The Texas Comptroller's website details how to apply for this amnesty program. Here are some of those steps:

• Go here to find the necessary tax forms
• File a report by submitting a paper return, and write “amnesty” on the top of that, as well as on the check or money order
• If you are submitting a tax application and registering for the first time, you will also have to write “amnesty” on the top of that document, plus on the check or money order
• Submit your checks or money orders by going to your local comptroller's field office or mailing to the following address:

Taxpayer Amnesty

Comptroller of Public Accounts

PO Box 12020

Austin, Texas 78711

Remember that you only have until June 29, 2018, to take advantage of this amnesty program that is currently available to Texas business owners. Now is your time to catch up on all of those reports you never got around to without paying those pesky and expensive penalties or interest fees!

Calling All Current or Future Texas Business Owners

The Texas Amnesty Program is designed to give a second chance to business owners and "wipe the slate clean." But ideally, you should know the rules and regulations so well that you wouldn't need to take advantage of a program such as this — so it only serves as a safety net just in case you accidentally miss something. Learning more about the nuances, taxes and business regulations for the state of Texas would be beneficial as a business owner.

If you are a current or future business owner in Texas, learn more about the ins and outs of owning and operating a business in this state. Whether you are starting your limited liability company (LLC) or forming a corporation , Bizee is there as a resource to help you navigate.