FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Rick Clayburgh, Tax Commissioner 701-328-2770
September 30, 2003

North Dakota Offers Tax Amnesty

BISMARCK --- Tax Commissioner Rick Clayburgh announced today that, beginning October 1, individuals and businesses will have a rare opportunity to file and pay unreported or delinquent taxes to the State of North Dakota through a Tax Amnesty program.

Tax Amnesty was included in legislation passed by the 2003 North Dakota Legislature. The legislation instructs the tax commissioner to provide a Tax Amnesty program for all state taxes administered by the North Dakota Office of State Tax Commissioner.

"North Dakota Tax Amnesty offers a unique opportunity for taxpayers to voluntarily come forward to clear up their unpaid state tax obligations," said Commissioner Clayburgh. "I urge anyone who owes taxes to the State of North Dakota to take advantage of this rare opportunity. The last time North Dakota offered Tax Amnesty was in 1982."

Over the next four-months, October 1, 2003 through January 31, 2004, eligible individuals and businesses can pay without risk of legal action, avoid penalties, and at a reduced interest rate. Tax Amnesty is available for tax liabilities from any reporting period prior to July 1, 2003.

"Amnesty is available to both resident and nonresident individuals and businesses," said Commissioner Clayburgh. "Any taxpayer who failed to file a return; underreported tax on returns that have been filed; or has an unpaid bill from the Tax Department should look into Tax Amnesty."

Amnesty recipients are required to pay in full all outstanding tax and applicable interest during the Tax Amnesty period. All applications must be received on or before Saturday, January 31, 2004.

Details about North Dakota's Tax Amnesty program are on the Tax Department's Web site at www.nd.gov/tax. Taxpayers who do not have access to the Internet may call the Tax Department at 701-328-2770.