© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

CT tax amnesty collects $12.5 million in first month

Connecticut Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton discusses a tax amnesty program December 6, 2021.
Image from a CT-N video feed.
Mark Boughton, commissioner of the state Department of Revenue Services, discusses a tax amnesty program on Dec. 6, 2021.

Connecticut’s latest tax amnesty program has collected $12.5 million since its launch on Nov. 1, with some taxpayers paying debts more than 20 years old, Mark Boughton, the commissioner of revenue services, said Monday.

“We anticipate that this will probably raise around $40 million to $50 million this year in back taxes,” Boughton said. “I just want to emphasize that this is the last time we’re going to do this in a long time. So take advantage of this now.”

Boughton and Gov. Ned Lamont held a news conference in Madison on Monday to publicize the program, which can be accessed at GetRightCT.com.

“The state’s got a fresh start. We are coming out of COVID. Everybody needs a fresh start in life,” Lamont said.

The program does not forgive tax debt but can waive the penalties and slash the interest charges that can grow larger than the original tax bill. Interest is cut by 75%.

“We had a case that went back to 2014 that was over $3 million. We were able to resolve it for about $1.2 million using this program,” Boughton said. “We just had somebody that applied last weekend that owed us money from 1997, and it was several hundred thousand dollars that we’re able to collect.”

Some inquiries have involved debts as little as $800, he said.

Filers can seek amnesty involving the state income, sales, corporation, other business, cigarette, gift, estate and motor vehicle fuels taxes. Local property taxes are not eligible.

The state had amnesty programs in 1990, 1995, 2002, 2009, 2013 and 2017. While Boughton insists this one will be the last for a long time, he cannot control what future administrations offer.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.