There is only one month left to take advantage of Washington's amnesty program. This program allows most businesses who have unpaid tax liabilities or assessments to get a waiver of interest and penalties that would ordinarily be due. Unregistered and out-of-state businesses may also take advantage of this program to limit exposure on prior liabilities.
The amnesty program waives penalties and interest on Business and Occupation taxes, Sales or Use taxes and Public Utility taxes owed. Applications and returns are due to the Department of Revenue by April 18, 2011. All taxes due and other filing fees must be paid by April 30, 2011. The amnesty program requires that businesses waive the right to challenge or claim a refund on taxes paid under the program.
Registered businesses that have timely filed and paid taxes through November 25, 2010 are only eligible for amnesty on taxes due prior to this date. In addition, all tax returns due between January 31, 2011 and May 1, 2011 must be filed and fully paid by their original due dates.
Unregistered businesses are eligible on all qualifying taxes due prior to February 1, 2011. After registration, the business must timely file and pay all returns through May 1st by their due dates.
Businesses previously assessed penalties for evasion or misuse of a resale certificate or reseller permit or who have been previously prosecuted by the Department are not eligible.
Application and additional information can be found on the Department of Revenue's website. If you have questions or wish to discuss how this program may benefit your business, please contact Chris Laine at (425) 289-7609 or claine@bpcpa.com.
