The Regional Income Tax Agency (R.I.T.A.) is offering tax amnesty to North Royalton residents this month. The opportunity ends on June 30, according to North Royalton Finance Director Eric Dean.
“This is an opportunity for residents who, for whatever reason, have fallen behind on city income tax payments to get caught up and pay their faxes in full without further penalties,” said Mayor Bob Stefanik.
Dean said that Ward 5 Councilperson Cheryl Hannon had seen that other communities had offered this to their residents. She inquired as to the possibility for North Royalton. R.I.T.A. was contacted and they said that they already had a program set up, but had not been utilized. That agency will run the program at no cost to the city.
Letters have been sent out to 245 residents, who can qualify for the program. Dean said that if a person’s tax bill is late, a penalty and interest start to accumulate. The program is a one-time chance to have the penalty and interest waived.
Tax amnesty is not a new concept. In fact, last year, the state of Ohio offered it to Ohio residents and businesses from January 1 through February 15. It was approved by the state legislature as part of the state budget. It offered a program in 2012 as well. There are also some federal tax amnesty programs.
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer