May 31 is the Deadline to File State Taxes under the MA Tax Amnesty 2016 Program
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue (DOR) is offering taxpayer a chance to file back state taxes and avoid paying penalties. Individuals and businesses have until May 31, 2016 to file delinquent tax returns or to amend prior state tax filings.
Under the MA Tax Amnesty 2016 program, taxpayers will not be charged penalties or interest on the penalties. Taxpayers are still responsible for their tax debt and the interest on the tax debt. Additionally, the amnesty program limits the lookback or audit period to three years.
Now is the time to clean up your back taxes. The DOR has a new tax system that will make it easier to identify fraudulent tax returns. If the DOR catches you cheating on your state taxes, the penalties will be greater. Penalties may be double, six years worth of tax returns will be open to audit and you may face potential criminal prosecution if the DOR investigates your tax returns.
The amnesty program is available to most individuals and businesses. There are some exceptions. Please see the MA TAX AMNESTY 2016 website for more details.
Massachusetts taxpayers have until May 31, 2016 to file with the amnesty program. Filing is done online and taxpayers must submit an electronic payment for the balance due with their amnesty return.