Tax Amnesty Begins

For the first time in recent memory, the City of Lakewood is launching an initiative to collect delinquent income taxes. Starting July 21st, the City will offer a ONE-TIME income tax amnesty allowing residents and businesses who are delinquent on their taxes 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

This opportunity will expire on September 30th, 2009. On that date, the City will initiate a more aggressive and less friendly, approach. The City will use its ability to access Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax records 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).

No appointment is necessary. The Lakewood Municipal Income 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. Frequently asked questions, additional information, extended hours, and/or tax forms are available on our website at OneLakewood.com/Tax.