State Offering Tax Amnesty Program

 HARTFORD (AP) — The Connecticut tax department is urging people who owe back state taxes to participate in an upcoming tax amnesty program.

State officials hope the amnesty will raise about $40 million and help close a projected state budget deficit that is in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

The amnesty will be offered from May 1 through June 25 to any taxpayer with back taxes owed as of November 28, 2008. Eligible taxpayers will be able to pay off those taxes while avoiding penalties and criminal prosecution.

There will also be a small reduction in accrued interest.

The amnesty is open to individuals, businesses, and other taxpayers. Applications will be accepted after May 1.