Tax amnesty for some Texas business owners runs out Friday

Texans: Time is running out.

Some Texas business owners delinquent with state taxes have a chance to catch up without paying fines or interest — if they make it right by Friday.

That's when the temporary Texas Tax Amnesty Program, which applies to periods before Jan. 1, 2018, ends.

"Our tax amnesty program is the perfect opportunity for taxpayers to get in compliance," Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar said in a press release. "Maybe you forgot to get a sales tax permit or inadvertently underreported taxes owed.

"If you qualify, there are no excuses necessary. You can participate in the coming tax amnesty program and make things right with the state of Texas and with your fellow taxpayers."

This program, created by the Texas Legislature in 2017, gives some delinquent taxpayers the opportunity to become up to date with state tax law — and any fees and state and local taxes still owed — without facing any penalties.. It started May 1.

It's geared to encourage voluntary compliance by taxpayers who might have under reported fees or taxes, those who don't have a Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit and more.

"Program participants can 'wipe the slate clean' by filing past due reports, or amending reports that underreported taxes, without paying penalties or interest," according to the comptroller's website. "You can also register for taxes that should have been reported, and catch up on those reports that should have been filed, without paying penalties or interest."

Amnesty is not available for periods already under audit, property taxes or sports and community venue taxes.

The last time there was such an amnesty period was 2012, comptroller officials said.

For more information, go online to The Texas Comptroller's website at comptroller.texas.gov/tax-amnesty.

This story was originally published June 27, 2018 at 9:00 AM.