State Program Raises $114 Million Without Increasing Taxes
July 28, 2017
Tax Amnesty Nets State $114 Million
The Tax Amnesty Program waived all penalties and half of the interest for eligible individuals or businesses that applied to the program and paid delinquent state taxes between April 21 and June 19, 2017. Taxpayers who were eligible but didn’t participate in the program will now be assessed a 5 percent penalty. Tax amnesty is not a forgiveness of debt but a reduction in fines to encourage payment. Anyone who took advantage of this program will not be eligible to do so again should the Commonwealth enact a subsequent amnesty program. The proceeds generated will apply toward the 2016-17 fiscal year, which ended June 30. |
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| Turn Around, Don’t Drown
Under the law, motorists who ignore temporary police barricades and drive through flooded areas during and after storms could face fines. Specifically, anyone who requires rescue, towing or medical care after ignoring a barricade or warning sign can be fined $250 to $500 and have points assessed to their driving record. They may also be forced to pay restitution for the cost of their rescue. The law is designed to discourage motorists from driving around road-closed signs and putting themselves, as well as emergency responders, in danger. As little as six inches of moving water can knock a person down and one foot of water can sweep a vehicle away. More information about flood safety is available here. |
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| DEP Accepting Applications for Small Business Advantage Grants
The program is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and provides matching grants of up to 50 percent to a maximum of $7,000 to $9,500, depending on the project. Eligible projects must save the small business a minimum of $500 and at least 25 percent annually in energy consumption or pollution-related expenses. The grant program runs from July 25, 2017, through June 30, 2018, or until funding is exhausted. For the first time, applications must be submitted online here. More information is available here. |
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