Bill > S1993

This bill amends Section 16B of Chapter 62C of the Massachusetts General Laws to expand the circumstances under which penalties for advance sales tax payment might be waived. Currently, the law allows for penalty waiver if certain conditions are met, and this bill adds two additional scenarios: first, if an entity has demonstrated "willful ignorance" of the tax payment section or guidance issued by the Department of Revenue, and second, if the imposed fines and penalties would cause hardship to the taxpayer. By introducing these new provisions, the bill gives tax authorities more discretion in determining whether to reduce or eliminate penalties for businesses that may have unintentionally or inadvertently failed to comply with advance sales tax payment requirements. The goal appears to be providing some flexibility in tax penalty enforcement while still maintaining the overall expectation of timely and accurate tax reporting.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1993