MS SB2096

Amends Section 27-3-79 to establish a tax amnesty program running from September 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019 for unpaid or unfiled taxes first due in 1999 or later, with all civil and criminal penalties waived for eligible taxpayers who pay in full during the amnesty period.

Increases minimum criminal penalties for tax evasion from unspecified to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $100,000 (or up to $500,000 for corporations), and imprisonment of not less than 1 year and not more than 5 years, with mandatory restitution ordered.

Limits prosecutor discretion by prohibiting suspension or reduction of minimum penalties and mandatory restitution as part of plea bargains, and restricts convicted persons from receiving probation or parole for the first year of incarceration.

Sets a six-year statute of limitations for tax evasion prosecutions, measured from the statutory due date of the taxes in question.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.