Tax amnesty program to begin for businesses

Thursday, Jan. 31, 2002 | 9:23 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- The Nevada Tax Commission's amnesty program, which allows businesses to pay back taxes without interest or penalties, begins Friday.

The five-month program is designed to foster compliance with tax laws.

"Many businesses that file returns are unaware of the full liability they have in reporting and paying taxes," Commission Chairwoman Barbara Smith Campbell said.

Department Director Dave Pursell said many business owners aren't aware they are responsible for purchases made out of state.

Pursell said delinquent taxes are owed on the sales and use tax, business tax, tire surcharge fee, short-term lessor fee and tobacco products tax.

He said records of an amnesty period in 1993 -- which applied only to the use tax -- resulted in 1,850 new accounts and about $2.8 million for the state.

The amnesty program is partly aimed at businesses that have moved to Nevada and never filed taxes. An unregistered business must sign up with the department, file tax returns for the periods since the business was initiated and pay the tax due.

Also, an individual who purchased an aircraft, vessel, auto or other tangible personal property outside Nevada must notify the department and pay the tax due.

The department can be contacted in Las Vegas at 486-2300.