The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is offering a 2024 tax amnesty program, waiving most penalties for eligible taxpayers who file outstanding returns and settle their tax liabilities by Dec. 30, 2024. This initiative, detailed in the Department of Revenue’s Technical Information Release (TIR 24-12), aims to encourage compliance by providing relief from penalties.
To participate in the program, eligible taxpayers must submit an Amnesty Request via MassTaxConnect, pay all outstanding taxes and interest and file the necessary returns with the Department of Revenue by the Dec.30 deadline.
Amnesty Process
Taxpayers who wish to apply for amnesty must submit their Amnesty Request on MassTaxConnect by Dec. 30, 2024. The process is similar to a voluntary disclosure agreement (VDA) in that you can only submit one Amnesty Request per account type, but the request can include multiple periods. To request amnesty for multiple account types, taxpayers must submit a separate Amnesty Request for each account type.
How to Prepare:
- If you have an eligible existing tax liability, you should have received an Amnesty Eligibility Letter. You will need your personal information, the Letter ID and a valid payment method to submit your Amnesty Request.
- If you are filing a new return to report a tax due, complete your return to calculate your amount due. Using the return information, submit your Amnesty Request via MassTaxConnect and remember to e-file or mail your completed return afterward.
- If you are filing an amended return to report a tax increase, complete your amended return to calculate the amount due. Use your MassTaxConnect account to submit your Amnesty Request, and ensure your amended return is e-filed or mailed after submission.
Taxpayers Under Audit:
Taxpayers currently under audit should contact their assigned auditor to explore amnesty options.
The Amnesty program closes on Dec. 30, 2024, and all required amnesty applications, tax filings and payments must be made by that date. If you have eligible Massachusetts tax liabilities that you would like to settle without incurring penalties, you should begin the process immediately.
Next Steps
Review the frequently asked questions on MassTaxConnect for more information on preparation, eligibility and allowed tax accounts, or consult a state and local tax expert like Joseph Feehan at [email protected] or James (Jay) Brower at [email protected]. This amnesty program could result in significant savings and help ensure compliance with state tax obligations.
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