FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2009
LAKEWOOD TO OFFER INCOME TAX AMNESTY BEGINNING JULY 21ST
City of Lakewood to use IRS records to collect delinquent income taxes
The City of Lakewood is launching a new initiative to collect delinquent income taxes. This initiative is to ensure that every taxpayer is aware of and contributing to the funding of city services (police, fire, street maintenance, waste collection, etc.) which benefit everyone.
The first phase will be a voluntary compliance opportunity. The City of Lakewood will offer a one-time income tax amnesty as an opportunity to “wipe the slate clean” and encourage future compliance. Beginning Tuesday, July 21 through Wednesday, September 30, 2009, the City will allow residents and businesses to:
• File outstanding tax return(s) and pay the outstanding tax and interest in full without penalties
• Pay outstanding tax balance(s) and interest in full without penalties
• Pay outstanding penalties only balance(s) at a reduced amount
The second phase will be a more thorough identification of noncompliant taxpayers. A recently formed partnership with the City of Cleveland and the Central Collection Agency (CCA) allows the Income Tax Division access to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax records. This increases the City of Lakewood’s ability to identify taxpayers who did not file and/or pay the proper city income tax. Taxpayers identified after the income tax amnesty will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Lakewood Income Tax Ordinance and be held responsible for all penalties and interest levied against any outstanding tax balance(s).
The Municipal Income Tax Division will prepare your Lakewood tax return for free and no appointments are necessary. The Tax Division is located at 12805 Detroit Avenue in the City Hall Annex Building on the corner of Detroit and Alameda Avenue. The Division can address any questions or concerns regarding this one-time tax amnesty in person, by phone at (216) 529-6620, or by email at taxdept@lakewoodoh.net during their regular business hours of 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.
Frequently asked questions, additional information, extended hours, and/or tax forms are available on the City of Lakewood website at www.onelakewood.com
For more information, contact Patricia Chittock, Municipal Income Tax Division Manager, at (216) 529-6622.
