Arizona State Senate

1700 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-5 602-926-5219 NEWS RELEASE

May 6, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Avoid harsh penalties, criminal sanctions with tax amnesty

(STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX) – If you owe back taxes to the state of Arizona, now is your chance to catch up. From May 1 to June 1, the Arizona Department of Revenue is offering a tax amnesty program. Through this program, qualified taxpayers can file or correct underreported state taxes. There is a reduced rate of interest, and no civil penalties will be imposed for those who file during the amnesty period. This is a chance to avoid harsher penalties, criminal sanctions, and higher interest.

“We know that sometimes people get behind in their taxes and then either don’t know what to do or they get scared,” said Sen. Sylvia Allen, R-Snowflake. “Time passes … and pretty soon they owe a bundle in penalties and interest.”

Failing to pay state taxes has legal penalties, and it affects the delivery of state services. Taxes are used to fund public schools and universities, public safety, road building, and many other programs.

“Everyone wins with this amnesty,” said Allen. “People can get caught up without having to worry about being punished, and the state benefits with the additional income generated. We hope that many people will take advantage of the amnesty.”

Visit www.azdor.gov/taxamnesty for further information on the Tax Amnesty Program and to download forms. You may also call the Arizona Department of Revenue at 602-364-3550.

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For more information, contact:

Laura Devany, Communications Advisor

Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

Office: (602) 926-3972, e-mail: ldevany@azleg.gov