Connecticut Enacts Amnesty Provisions

Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy has signed the 2014-2015 biennium budget, which contains a provision, effective July 1, 2013, requiring the Commissioner of the Department of Revenue Services to establish an amnesty program running from September 16, 2013 through November 15, 2013. The amnesty program will cover any tax for any taxable period ending on or before November 30, 2012. Once a taxpayer has filed an amnesty application and paid the tax and interest due, the commissioner may not collect any civil penalties and may not seek criminal prosecution for any period for which amnesty has been granted. If taxes and interest due are paid by November 15, 2013, the interest imposed is reduced to one-fourth of the interest shown to be due as of the date of the amnesty application. The commissioner may require that amnesty applications be filed electronically. Amnesty is not available for any person who is a party to any criminal investigation or litigation pending on July 1, 2013; is a party to a closing agreement with the Commissioner of Revenue Services; has made an offer of compromise that has been accepted by the commissioner; or is a party to a managed audit agreement. Amnesty is only available to those who both apply for amnesty and pay taxes and interest due during the amnesty period. Failure to pay all amounts due for the affected taxable period will invalidate any amnesty granted. Individuals who owe tax for the affected taxable period for which a tax return was not filed and who do not file a timely amnesty application will be subject to a penalty, not subject to waiver, equal to 25% of the tax owed. (P.A. 13-184 (H.B. 6704), Laws 2013)

Posted on July 22, 2013