Catch up on tax, insurance concerns

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, November 18, 2015

River Region residents, and those across the state, who have run up delinquent tax accounts or find themselves with insurance violations on their driving records have a golden opportunity in front of them to make things even.

Louisiana Tax Amnesty 2015 is underway, giving individuals and businesses a one-month tax amnesty program to bring their delinquent tax accounts up to date by clearing unpaid tax bills and filing overdue state tax returns.

State leaders vow the process is simple and, most importantly, allows taxpayers to make installment payments to clear up their accounts.

Taxpayers can apply for amnesty online at ldrtaxamnesty.com or call 1-866-782-9241 for more information.

Another program has the state’s Office of Motor Vehicles offering help to customers looking to clear insurance violations.

The process requires the OMV to notify a customer on three occasions that his or her insurance company has reported the required vehicle insurance has been terminated.

A termination of insurance does not automatically mean a fee is required. It simply means your OMV vehicle record no longer reflects current insurance and the state needs the customer’s assistance to resolve the issue.

The state began mailing the last delinquent debt insurance cancellation notices last week.

Program officials said the information helps protect insured motorists and holds accountable uninsured motorists.

Over 700,000 30-day notices are in the mail to advise customers they have 30 days remaining to resolve their issue with OMV. Failure to do so will result in their file being referred for collection assistance. Those in question are asked to find out by checking their OMV status at expresslane.org or phoning a call center agent at 225-925-6146 from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

There aren’t many chances to make good by the government when it comes to insurance and taxes. Louisiana residents who find themselves behind on either should take advantage of these programs over the next month.