FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Office of the Governor
August 20, 2002
Contact:           Alex Rose, Kentucky Revenue Cabinet 502-564-9544
Terri Giltner, Office of the Governor  502-564-2611 

Kentucky Tax Amnesty Program Rapidly Bringing In Cash
Program estimated to raise $20 million for state services this year

FRANKFORT, KY (August 19, 2002) ---Kentucky’s Tax Amnesty campaign has garnered $2,503, 964.91 as of close of business on August 19^th at the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet in Frankfort.  That represents 1,885 applications that have already been filed since the official launch of August 1^st.  At the same stage of Kentucky’s 1988 amnesty program, the Cabinet had received less than 400 applications and collected less than $500,000.   

“The word is out that it is time to get right with the government, and amnesty is the answer.  We have achieved more than 10 percent of our goal and this is very encouraging.  During similar state programs, including Kentucky’s first tax amnesty campaign ever in 1988, most corporations and individuals have traditionally waited to file until the last week,” said Dana Mayton, secretary of the Revenue Cabinet.  The Kentucky Tax Amnesty campaign ends Sept. 30^th.   

Secretary Mayton said the two-month Amnesty program is expected to generate $20 million in 2002 and another $7 million in 2003.  “We attribute the early success of the amnesty program to recognition by our taxpayers that to participate in amnesty is a good deal and for companies that to participate is a good business decision,” said Secretary Mayton. 

Amnesty call volume to the campaign’s 1-877-ONLY-TAX number has topped 5,000 calls.  Individuals and businesses can also get assistance from Kentucky Revenue Cabinet Service Centers located throughout the state.  The amnesty website, www.amnesty.ky.gov, has received approximately 50,000 hits to date.  

 “Tax Amnesty is a rare opportunity for those who live, work, or do business in Kentucky to pay any back state taxes they owe without penalties, interest or prosecution. It’s time to get right with the government,” explained Governor Paul Patton during the campaign launch on Aug. 1st.  

Tax Amnesty includes all state taxes directly administered by the Kentucky Revenue Cabinet. Property taxes levied on real estate, motor vehicles and motorboats payable to local officials are not included. The program applies to back taxes incurred on or after Dec. 1, 1987 and prior to Dec. 1, 2001.  Virtually all taxpayers are eligible to participate in the program.

For more information, visit www.amnesty.ky.gov or call the Amnesty toll-free number 1-877-ONLY-TAX (1-877-665-9829).  Amnesty applications are available at the offices of Property Valuation Administrators and at Kentucky Revenue Cabinet Taxpayer Service Centers throughout the state.  The applications can also be downloaded from the amnesty website.  Brochures are also available at the offices of County Clerks. 

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