The Rhode Island Division of Taxation is offering a Tax Amnesty Program that began July 15, 2006 and will expire on September 30, 2006. The program offers taxpayers the opportunity to clear unpaid tax obligations that were payable to the state and collected by the Tax Administrator. Unpaid penalties are waived for eligible applicants, as well as, civil or criminal charges for any taxpayer for the taxable period for which amnesty has been granted. Additionally, previously billed tax liabilities are eligible for the tax amnesty. Taxpayers who are under criminal investigation or involved in any pending criminal or civil court litigation, however, are not eligible for amnesty. Beginning October 1, 2006, the interest rate on unpaid taxes will increase to eighteen percent (18%). Taxpayers who do not apply for amnesty and are later convicted of fraud or willful intent to evade Rhode Island taxes will be subject to a $10,000 fine or one (1) year imprisonment or both. (http://www.tax.ri.gov/amnesty/amnesty.htm)