AUGUSTA – Maine Revenue Services has announced that as of Nov. 17, $13,549,860 has been collected through the 2003 Tax Amnesty Program.

To date, almost 17,000 taxpayers have participated in the Tax Amnesty program, said Errol Dearborn, director of Maine Revenue Services Compliance Division. Since much of the money received in any amnesty program comes in during the last few weeks, the division expects to significantly surpass the $14.1 million goal of the program, Dearborn added.

Taxpayers have been using the Tax Amnesty Center in Augusta, the Tax Amnesty Web site at www.mainetaxamnesty.org, and their local town offices and libraries to pick up applications, according to Dearborn. Applications can also be obtained by calling toll free (800) 430-3161.

The largest payment received was just over $900,000, and several payments have been received for 1 cent. However, many taxpayers have been able to discharge penalty obligations with no payment at all, if penalty is all they owe. Dearborn said all that is required for those individuals is to complete the amnesty application form.

Between now and Nov. 30, delinquent taxpayers can pay what they owe in back taxes, plus half the interest, and no fines or penalties.