Come Clean commercials and website urge payment of back taxes
The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) today began a media campaign to raise awareness about the upcoming 2009 Connecticut Tax Amnesty Program. The campaign includes radio and television advertisements and an interactive website that encourages delinquent taxpayers to “come clean” by paying the taxes they owe to the state.
“Dodging taxes?” the TV commercial asks as a businessman deftly avoids a familiar rubber ball. The advertising campaign uses the childhood game of dodge ball to evoke the age-old truth that you can’t dodge your responsibilities – or taxes – forever.
“Whether you owe personal taxes or taxes for your business, we’ve got the technology — and better information — to find you.”
The commercial encourages tax delinquents to “come clean” during the tax amnesty program so they no longer have to worry when they will get “hit” with penalty, full interest, and potential prosecution for the non-payment of taxes. The spots direct viewers and radio listeners to a website at www.comecleanct.com.
“From May 1 through June 25, taxpayers who failed to report all taxes due to DRS can apply to pay the money they owe without penalty and at a 25% reduced interest rate,” states a message on the website from DRS Commissioner Pam Law.
The website is designed to be a multi-media experience that will provide information about amnesty, explain the benefits of the program, and help taxpayers prepare the information necessary to complete a successful tax amnesty application.
“You can’t dodge us forever,” the website and commercials state.
Interested parties can begin submitting applications for the 2009 tax amnesty program on May 1 through a special DRS amnesty program at www.ct.gov/comeclean. Applications must be submitted electronically. The program is expected to generate $40 million from taxpayers who failed to properly report all of their tax obligations.
For more information about the 2009 Connecticut Tax Amnesty Program, visit www.comecleanct.com or call
1-877-PAYNOW1 (1-877-729-6691). Media calls should be directed to the communications office at
(860) 297-5610.
