(a) This chapter shall apply to any taxpayer who satisfies all of the following requirements:
(1) During the tax amnesty program period specified in Section 19731, is eligible to participate in the tax amnesty program.
(2) During the tax amnesty program period specified in Section 19731, files a completed amnesty application with the Franchise Tax Board, signed under penalty of perjury, electing to participate in the tax amnesty program.
(3) Within 60 days after the conclusion of the tax amnesty period, does the following:
(A) (i) For any taxable year eligible for the tax amnesty program where the taxpayer has not filed any required return, files a completed original tax return for that year, or
(ii) For any taxable year eligible for the tax amnesty program where the taxpayer filed a return but underreported tax liability on that return, files an amended return for that year.
(B) Pays in full any taxes and interest due for each taxable year described in clauses (i) and (ii) of subparagraph (A), as applicable, for which amnesty is requested, or applies for an installment payment agreement under subdivision (b). For taxpayers who have not paid in full any taxes previously proposed to be assessed, pays in full the taxes and interest due for that portion of the proposed assessment for each taxable year for which amnesty is requested or applies for an installment payment agreement under subdivision (b).
(4) For purposes of complying with the full payment provisions of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), if the full amount due is paid within the period set forth in paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 19101 after the date the Franchise Tax Board mails a notice resulting from the filing of an amnesty application or the full amount is paid within 60 days after the conclusion of the tax amnesty period, the full amount due shall be treated as paid during the amnesty period.
(5) In the case of any taxpayer that has filed for bankruptcy protection under Title 11 of the United States Code, submits an order from a Federal Bankruptcy Court allowing the taxpayer to participate in the amnesty program.
(b) (1) For purposes of complying with the full payment provisions of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), the Franchise Tax Board may enter into an installment payment agreement, but only if final payment under the terms of that installment payment agreement is due and is paid no later than June 30, 2006.
(2) Any installment payment agreement authorized by this subdivision shall include interest on the outstanding amount due at the rate prescribed in Section 19521.
(3) Failure by the taxpayer to fully comply with the terms of an installment payment agreement under this subdivision shall render the waiver of penalties and fees under Section 19732 null and void, unless the Franchise Tax Board determines that the failure was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect.
(4) In the case of any failure described under paragraph (3), the total amount of tax, interest, fees, and all penalties shall become immediately due and payable.
(c) (1) The application required under paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) shall be in the form and manner specified by the Franchise Tax Board, but in no case shall a mere payment of any taxes and interest due, in whole or in part, for any taxable year otherwise eligible for amnesty under this part, be deemed to constitute an acceptable amnesty application under this part. For purposes of the prior sentence, the application of a refund from one taxable year to offset a tax liability from another taxable year otherwise eligible for amnesty shall not, without the filing of an amnesty application, be deemed to constitute an acceptable amnesty application under this part.
(2) The Legislature specifically intends that the Franchise Tax Board, in administering the amnesty application requirement under this part, make the amnesty application process as streamlined as possible to ensure participation in the amnesty program will be available to as many taxpayers as possible without otherwise compromising the Franchise Tax Board’s ability to enforce and collect the taxes imposed under Part 10 (commencing with Section 17001) and Part 11 (commencing with Section 23001).
(d) Upon the conclusion of the tax amnesty program period, the Franchise Tax Board may propose a deficiency upon any return filed pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), impose penalties and fees, or initiate criminal action under this part with respect to the difference between the amount shown on that return and the correct amount of tax. This action shall not invalidate any waivers previously granted under Section 19732.
(e) All revenues derived pursuant to subdivision (c) shall be subject to Sections 19602 and 19604.
(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 398, Sec. 5. Effective September 29, 2005. Applicable as provided in Sec. 10 of Ch. 398.)
Last modified: October 25, 2018