We’re about halfway through the Missouri Tax Amnesty Program, an initiative to help taxpayers who have fallen behind on their State taxes to settle their accounts free of interest and penalty. Sandy Furuya, Senior Accounting Manager with [Wamhoff Accounting Services], explains the program and what you need to do if you think you may owe back taxes to the State of Missouri.

The Program:

• The Missouri Tax Amnesty Program began on September 1^st and runs until November 30, 2015.
• During this period, taxpayers who owe back taxes may complete a form and submit their payment without having to pay interest or penalties which are typically applicable for late tax payments.

Eligibility

• Most taxpayers who owe back taxes are eligible. The offer is good for all types of taxes, including both individual and business tax liabilities for periods owed prior to 12/31/2014
• Many have already received an “Amnesty Eligibility Notice” providing the total tax due, and the amount of interest and penalty that may be waived.
• If you think you owe back taxes but did not receive the notice, visit dor.mo.gov/amnesty to download the Form 5607 application.
• If your account is pending in a civil, criminal, or bankruptcy court, you are ineligible for the program.
• If your account is under criminal investigation by the MO DOR, you are ineligible for the program.

The Process

• If you received your form in the mail, review the information, sign the form, and remit with payment no later than November 30, 2015.
• If you downloaded the form from the DOR website, fill in the requested information and remit with payment by November 30, 2015
• Various forms of payment are accepted, including debit or credit cards. Fees will apply if you pay with a debit or credit card.
• By participating in the program, you agree to remain compliant with all Missouri taxes for a period of eight years. If you fail to remain compliant, the waived interest and penalties will immediately become due.