Missouri House approves tax amnesty period

JEFFERSON CITY — The Missouri House on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved an amnesty period in which delinquent taxpayers could pay what they owe without penalty.

The proposal, approved 153-1, would add an estimated $75 million to the state’s coffers and has been factored into budget proposals developed by the House and Gov. Jay Nixon.

But Senate President Pro Tem Tom Dempsey called the measure the “tax cheat program” and said it might not make it through his chamber.

Under the proposal, officials would waive the interest and penalties for those who pay their tax bills between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31.

Those granted amnesty would need to comply with state tax laws for the next eight years or they would owe the penalties and interest that were waived. And they would not be eligible for a future amnesty for the same tax.