Clean Slate nets past taxes

By Staff
Operation Clean Slate, Alabama’s effort to encourage delinquent tax filers to pay what they owe, brought in more than $8.1 million in unpaid taxes.
Alabama’s Operation Clean Slate ran from Feb. 1 - May 15. During that time, individuals and businesses that voluntarily came forward and filed past-due returns or amended their returns to properly report their tax liabilities were granted leniency, with the state foregoing penalties and criminal prosecutions.
It was only the second time Alabama has done this. In 1984, the state waived penalties for those who voluntarily paid their tax liabilities. That effort brought in $3 million.
“Operation Clean Slate was a great success. So many Alabamians used this chance to come forward, pay what they owe and get a fresh start. This $8.1 million was owed to the state and can now be used to fund necessary state services,” Gov. Bob Riley said.
“Operation Clean Slate helped many citizens who had delinquent tax obligations to meet their obligations, clear their conscience, and move forward. We appreciate their commitment to do this and to take advantage of this opportunity,” State Revenue Commissioner Tim Russell said.
During Operation Clean Slate, 3,161 Alabamians came forward to file past-due tax returns.