Frustration Builds As Tax Amnesty Program Draws to a Close

by  KYW's John Ostapkovich

With the window closing rapidly on Philadelphia's tax amnesty program, a crush of people is expected in the next three days.  The Revenue Department says most people don't need to come into the office.

Tuesday morning frustrations outside the amnesty walk-in center on the 13th floor of an old office building.  The line stretches halfway down a dimly lit sweltering hallway before people even get into the full-to-bursting office, sometimes more than once:

"We have to go back downstairs to get a money order to pay them."

Revenue commissioner Keith Richardson says coming in should be a last resort:

"Because you're going to end up being there possibly all day long, and we don't want that to happen because it discourages individuals from taking care of paying in the amnesty and they might want to walk away."

His advice: use the website, phillytaxamnesty.com, open 24 hours a day, or the toll-free number: 877-645-4108.

(Photo by Dawn Pratson)