Journal Gazette on Tax Amnesty for deadbeats

The Journal Gazette has a column on the taxpayer amnesty for deadbeats championed by Gov. Daniels and passed by the General Assembly.

Basically, it creates a window where those who did not shoulder their burden alongside their fellow citizens can pay their principal tax owed without paying any penalty for delinquency.

If you’re a tax scofflaw, pay attention to the Indiana Tax Amnesty program. If you’re a responsible citizen, try to ignore the troublesome message that delinquent taxpayers will be rewarded with a second chance.
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Still, there’s something a bit unsettling about a program billed as an “opportunity” for individuals and businesses that have neglected their financial responsibilities. The ad campaign’s slogan is “No penalties. No interest. No problem,” and features a businessman-type tethered by a ball and chain.

Fortunately, most of us view taxes not as a burden, but as an obligation of citizenship. Indiana Tax Amnesty might be a helpful tool in enticing deadbeats to pay their taxes, but it would be a bit more palatable if the “one-time opportunity” enticement was replaced by a warning to “pay up, or else, deadbeat.”