Senate committee approves 90-day tax amnesty bill to waive penalties on delinquent property, income and gross-receipt taxes

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance on Oct. 7 approved a measure establishing a 90‑day amnesty period that waives penalties and interest for taxpayers who voluntarily file outstanding returns and pay the entire tax balance within the amnesty window.

Sponsor Senator Kenneth L. Gittens said the program is meant to provide immediate relief to individuals and small businesses still carrying tax liabilities after multiple economic shocks, including hurricanes and rising costs. "This initiative is not about giving a free pass. It's about recognizing the extraordinary financial hardship our people have endured," Gittens told the committee.

What the bill does: The amended bill requires the director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue to open the 90‑day amnesty within 10 days of the act's effective date and instructs the lieutenant governor (under existing statutory authority) to waive penalties and interest on delinquent real‑property taxes for taxes paid within the 90‑day period. To qualify, taxpayers must file each outstanding return for which they request…