Two Illinois Amnesty Programs Are Arriving In October: HMB Addresses The Changes

August 21, 2019

Starting October 1st, 2019, two new Amnesty programs will arrive in Illinois. One will cover all taxes administered by the Department of Revenue. The other program will cover franchise taxes. Before these programs come into play, members of the HMB State and Local Tax practice provide insight into what these changes will look like.

TAXES ADMINISTERED BY DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE

The department of Revenue's amnesty period will run from October 1, 2019 through and including November 15, 2019. The program will cover all taxes administered by the Department of Revenue for all taxable periods beginning after June 30, 2011 and ending prior to July 1, 2018. Participating taxpayers will have penalties and interest abated and the Department will not pursue any civil or criminal prosecution related to the taxes paid. Unlike prior amnesty programs, double interest and double penalties will not apply to taxpayers that decline to participate and are later assessed a deficiency.

FRANCHISE TAX

The franchise tax amnesty period will run from October 1, 2019 through and including November 15, 2019. The program will cover any outstanding franchise tax liabilities or license fees attributable to taxable periods beginning after March 15, 2008 and ending before June 30, 2019. Participating taxpayers will have penalties and interest abated and the Secretary of State will not pursue any civil or criminal prosecution relating to the taxes and fees paid.