HARRISBURG – State Rep. Camille “Bud” George, D-74 of Houtzdale, said grant applications are being accepted to improve small businesses’ energy efficiency, and that guidelines have been drafted for a tax-amnesty program that will open in April.
“Competition is fierce for the Small Business Advantage Grant Program,” George said. “However, a number of area businesses have received grants to improve energy efficiency and save money before electric-generation rate increases clobber the area in a little more than a year.”
The application deadline is Jan. 15 or until the $1 million in funding is exhausted. Businesses can apply for a 50 percent matching grant of up to $7,500 for equipment and processes that save at least 20 percent annually in energy or pollution-related costs.
Guidelines and applications are available at the state Department of Environmental Protection’s Web site, using the keyword “SBAdvantage.” They also are available by mail from the DEP by calling 717 783-8411.
George said the state Revenue Department is gearing up for the Pennsylvania Tax Amnesty Program, which will open for 54 days — April 26 through June 18, 2010.
“The tax-amnesty program will apply to taxes administered by the Revenue Department and owed to the Commonwealth as of June 30, 2009,” George said. “Unpaid taxes, penalties and interest that have accrued since last June 30 will not eligible.”
Under the program, the Revenue Department will waive 100 percent of penalties and half of the interest for anyone who pays delinquent state taxes eligible for amnesty.
Other guidelines include:
-An online amnesty return must be filed by each taxpayer seeking to participate in the program;
-A program participant must file complete amended returns for all required periods for which the taxpayer underreported tax liability;
-A participating business or individual may not be under criminal investigation for an alleged violation of any tax law;
-The tax and one-half of interest due must be paid in full during the 54-day amnesty period.
Complete guidelines and more information about the 2010 Tax Amnesty Program are available at the Revenue Department Web site, under “Hot Topics.”