(a)
The voluntary compliance initiative described in this article applies to any taxpayer who, during the period from August 1, 2011, to October 31, 2011, makes an election as described in Section 19762 and does both of the following:
(1)
(A)
Files an amended tax return under this part for each taxable year for which the taxpayer has previously filed a tax return using an
abusive tax avoidance transaction or an offshore financial arrangement to underreport the taxpayer’s tax liability for that taxable year or failed to include income from the offshore financial arrangement. Each amended return shall report all income from all sources, without regard to the abusive tax avoidance transaction, including all income from offshore financial arrangements. No deduction shall be allowed for transaction costs associated with an abusive tax avoidance transaction or for transaction or other costs associated with unreported income from the use of an offshore financial arrangement.
(B)
For purposes of this article, an “offshore financial arrangement” means any transaction involving financial arrangements that in any manner rely on the use of offshore payment cards, including credit, debit, or charge cards, issued by banks in foreign jurisdictions or offshore financial arrangements, including arrangements with foreign banks,
financial institutions, corporations, partnerships, trusts, or other entities to avoid or evade income or franchise tax.
(2)
Except as provided in subdivision (b), pays in full all taxes and interest due.
(b)
The Franchise Tax Board may enter into an installment payment agreement in lieu of the full payment required by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), but only if final payment under the terms of that installment payment agreement is due and paid no later than June 15, 2012. Any installment payment agreement authorized by this subdivision shall include interest on the unpaid amount at the rate prescribed in Section 19521. Failure by the taxpayer to fully comply with the terms of the installment payment agreement shall render the waiver of penalties null and void, and the total amount of tax, interest, and all penalties shall be immediately due and payable.
(c)
After October 31, 2011, the Franchise Tax Board may issue a deficiency assessment upon an amended return filed pursuant to subdivision (a), impose penalties, or initiate criminal action under this part with respect to the difference between the amount shown on that return and the correct amount of tax. This action shall not invalidate any waivers granted under Section 19762.
(d)
In addition to any other authority to examine returns, for the purpose of improving state tax administration, the Franchise Tax Board may inquire into the facts and circumstances related to the use of abusive tax avoidance transactions or offshore financial arrangements to underreport the tax liabilities for which a taxpayer has participated in the voluntary compliance initiative under this article. Taxpayers shall cooperate fully with inquiries described in this subdivision. Failure by a taxpayer to
fully cooperate in an inquiry described in this subdivision shall render the waiver of penalties under this article null and void and the taxpayer may be assessed any penalties that may apply.
