Virginia’s tax amnesty will start on Oct. 7

State-tax delinquents can pay up without a fine from Oct. 7 to Dec. 5, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine announced yesterday.

In the two-month period, they will not be penalized and will be charged half the interest rate. If delinquent taxpayers do not pay by Dec. 5, they will be charged full interest and an additional 20 percent penalty.

The Virginia Department of Taxation is sending 550,000 notices to businesses and individuals. The average delinquent tax bill is $2,315, said Joel Davidson, a spokesman for the tax department.

The state hopes to receive at least $48 million through the amnesty program, which was authorized by the 2009 General Assembly.

The state also offered amnesty programs in 1991 and 2003.

Because of the sour economy, the state is putting a happy face on the program. The slogan, “Get Square on Back Taxes,“ accompanies a logo of a smiling face.

“Get Square VA offers individuals that haven’t paid their taxes—or haven’t been able to pay their taxes—the opportunity to clear out their obligations,“ Kaine said.

Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or

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