With the V.I. Tax Amnesty Program set to expire later this month, Senator-at-Large Angel Bolques Jr. is urging the executive branch to extend the initiative by 30 days, arguing that its rollout during the holiday season limited many residents’ ability to participate.
In a statement released Monday, Bolques called on Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and Lt. Governor Tregenza Roach to approve an extension, citing the program’s overlap with major holidays and reduced access to government services during its early weeks.
The tax amnesty program was enacted under Act No. 9050, signed into law in late 2025 and sponsored by Senators Kenneth Gittens, Novelle E. Francis Jr., Hubert L. Frederick, and Ray Fonseca, with overwhelming support from the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The law established a 90-day amnesty period for income and gross receipts taxes, running from November 17, 2025, to February 17, 2026, alongside a concurrent 90-day property tax amnesty from November 24, 2025, to February 21, 2026. The program allows residents and businesses to bring their accounts current without incurring interest or penalties.
“This legislation represents a forward-thinking approach to economic relief and fiscal accountability,” Bolques said. “But because the program launched amid a season of widespread office closures and family obligations—including Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and Three Kings Day—many Virgin Islanders simply weren’t able to take full advantage.”
Bolques is formally requesting that the income and gross receipts tax amnesty deadline be extended to March 18, 2026, and the property tax amnesty deadline to March 23, 2026. He said the additional time would better align with the program’s intent by allowing broader public participation.
“We must ensure the success of this measure by giving our residents the time they truly need,” Bolques said. “Extending the program is not just an act of fairness, it is a practical way to strengthen our financial system while helping families and small businesses get back on track.”
According to the senator, feedback from constituents indicates that while many support the amnesty, they were unable to take advantage of it due to the timing of its rollout. Bolques said his office continues to receive comments from residents who favor the program but were disadvantaged by its implementation during the holiday period.
He expressed appreciation to Senator Kenneth Gittens for sponsoring Act No. 9050 and thanked his colleagues in the Legislature who supported the measure.
“This was a team effort—and it reflects what good governance looks like,” Bolques said. “Now, let’s finish the job by ensuring every Virgin Islander has a fair and full opportunity to participate.”
Advertisements
