by WENDY BURKE

A TAX EASE IS coming for some as early as today.

Commissioner of Land Tax Wayne Forde told the SATURDAY SUN in an interview yesterday an amnesty would be in effect for the entire month for all landowners owing the Crown money.

"For the land tax arrears, there will be a waiver of all penalties and 50 per cent off of all the interest due on the original tax," he said.

However, he added that in order to get the waiver, the full amount for the year must be paid.

Reduction

Forde said if enough people came in and paid, it would mean a considerable reduction on the 27 years of arrears.

"Currently the principal owed is $61.9 million from 1981. The penalties incurred stand at $3.05 million and the interest on that would be $36.5 million [adding up to], just over $100 million."

The commissioner explained that the interest accumulated at a rate of one per cent per month of the principal and the penalty.

He reminded land owners the waiver was only being offered for March and the more people took advantage of it, it would mean a significantly reduced debt. (WB)