Reactions mixed to tax amnesty

Mark Schlachtenhaufen
The Edmond Sun

EDMOND October 07, 2008 12:22 am

— Edmond resident Steve Beeney said he has heard of Clean Slate ’08.
The program is a limited-time chance for individuals and businesses to pay past-due taxes free of penalty, interest and other collection fees. It began Sept. 15 and runs through Nov. 14.
Taxpayers who do not take advantage of this opportunity will be assessed double penalty on their original tax debt at the end of the program.
Noting that he has never been behind in paying his taxes, Beeney said the government assesses multiple taxes and fees, which creates indebtedness, and puts some individuals into situations in which they find themselves unable to pay.
He supports the program.
“It’s a matter of practical forgiveness,” Beeney said. “To me, it’s common sense.”
Edmond resident Tracy Stevens had a somewhat different view.
“I like it in some ways, I don’t like it in others,” she said.
Stevens said she likes that the program gives people a second chance, a way to rid themselves of a financial burden. At the same time, she doesn’t like the fact that others get a break while she has been a responsible tax-paying citizen.
Paula Ross, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma Tax Commission, said she understands the differing views, but the program is reclaiming missing revenue, which means everyone’s tax share is less, and there is more money for things like roads and public schools.
Ross said the state’s goal is to collect $32 million through the program, and as of last week, more than $4 million in back taxes had been recovered.
Additionally, as of last week, more than 24,000 taxpayers had called for information, and officials expect a big rush during the days leading up to the Nov. 14 deadline, Ross said.
“We’ve had a really good response,” she said.
To advertise the program, the state mailed 250,000 letters to taxpayers, Ross said. On Sept. 15, commercials began airing on television stations and radio spots will air during the last two weeks of the campaign.
All taxpayers wherever they live are eligible. Also, individuals who are not registered with the OTC, but know they owe taxes, are eligible if the taxes due are for any tax periods ending before Jan. 1, 2008.
Owed tax types included in the program are individual and business income tax, sales tax, use tax, withholding tax, franchise tax, mixed beverage tax, gross production and petroleum excise tax, gasoline and diesel tax and bank “in lieu” tax.
Participants in Clean Slate ’08 may not file an extension. Payment arrangements may be made until Nov. 14.
Other payment options are check, electronic check, credit card, money order, cashier’s check, cash or wired payments.

TO DISCUSS payment plan options with a Clean Slate ’08 representative, call 877-320-7612. Questions also may be e-mailed to cleanslate08@tax.ok.gov. More information is available at www.cleanslate08.org.