| Tax Amnesty Deadline Nears; Four Government Centers to Accept Paperwork | |
| LOUISVILLE (May 17, 2005) – Louisville Metro’s four government centers will open temporary offices next week to accept completed paperwork from people taking advantage of the Louisville Tax Amnesty Program. Mike Tronzo, director of the Metro Revenue Commission, said the temporary sites will make it convenient for the expected surge of people responding as the 65-day amnesty period nears its end. The program, which affects only the Occupational License Fee, began March 28 and wraps up May 31. The amnesty return drop-off sites are:
The government center sites will be staffed from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 23-27 and again on May 31. The Revenue Commission’s main office, 101 S. Eighth St., is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Both the Revenue Commission office and the satellite offices will be closed on Memorial Day, May 30. Tronzo said amnesty programs typically collect the vast majority of their money in the final days, but he advised against waiting – to avoid long lines. “Anybody thinking about applying for amnesty needs to get to it,” Tronzo said. “Time is running out, and once we’re finished with amnesty, we’re switching gears to aggressive enforcement.” Tronzo said the Revenue Commission has strengthened its enforcement staff by hiring five additional employees. Also, Louisville is one of just 16 communities nationwide that meet the necessary standards to participate in the Internal Revenue Service’s data-matching program, which enhances the Revenue Commission’s ability to track down taxpayers who don’t comply. Anyone using the government center drop-off sites must:
The drop-off sites will not accept cash or credit cards; only the Revenue Commission’s Eighth Street office will accept cash or credit card payment. Tronzo said anyone with questions about their applications or returns should continue to use the Eighth Street office. The results of the amnesty program through May 16 include:
The Occupational License Fee – which is imposed on business net profits and employee payroll withholdings – generates about $325 million in revenue each year. This money supports police and fire protection, roads, parks, garbage pickup and other Metro Government priorities. A portion of the revenue also helps support the Jefferson County Public Schools, Anchorage Public School, and TARC. Individuals or businesses that owe occupational taxes dating to December 31, 2003, or before can pay it off during the amnesty period, and all penalties and interest are forgiven. In some cases, the penalties and interest add up to more than the original tax debt. Applications and information are available at www.louisvilletaxamnesty.com. If you’re not sure whether you owe, or you have other questions, call (502) 574-I-OWE (574-4693). |
