In an effort to deliver exceptional customer service, the Department of Revenue offers a Voluntary Disclosure Program that is designed for businesses and individuals who have recently become aware of their Pennsylvania tax obligations to resolve their accounts without paying penalties.
The employees who administer the program for the department work with local, national and international law offices, CPA firms and tax practitioners to discuss the program's parameters and provide guidance on taxpayers' eligibility.
2018 proved to be a very productive year for the Voluntary Disclosure Program. The three Revenue employees who administer the program opened a total of 499 new accounts and collected a calendar year record of $45.1 million in revenue.
"Not only does this work help Pennsylvania taxpayers resolve their accounts and get into good standing, but it helps the department fulfill its overall mission of collecting the tax revenue that funds essential programs and services for all Pennsylvanians," Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell said. "We are working hard to ensure this program helps as many taxpayers as possible."
The Voluntary Disclosure Program is not available for delinquent taxpayers already registered with the department. Rather, it provides an opportunity for qualifying taxpayers who recently became aware of their Pennsylvania tax obligations to come forward voluntarily. In return for filing their tax returns and clearing any tax debts, taxpayers are only responsible for the payment of tax and interest. Penalties are waived.
The Voluntary Disclosure Program's accounts in 2018 involved corporation taxes, sales and use tax, employer withholding, pass-through entities and personal income tax.
Click here for more information on the Voluntary Disclosure Program and its guidelines.