Tax relief: Louisiana’s latest tax amnesty period has started, giving delinquent taxpayers time to pay what they owe with fewer penalties and interest than they otherwise would be charged. The amnesty period begins today and runs through Dec. 15. It’s the third and final year in a row the offer is being made to those with past-due taxes. Those who agree to settle their tax debts with the state must pay the full amount of delinquent taxes, 83% of the interest and 67% of the penalties due. Six-month installment plans are available. State lawmakers hope to raise $50 million with the latest 30-day amnesty period. Taxpayers involved in criminal investigations or criminal litigation for state tax issues don’t qualify. Get complete details.
Recruiting: As New Orleans becomes a hotbed for entrepreneurs, the city is pushing further to lure startups from outside areas. New Orleans CityBusiness reports officials from the New Orleans Business Alliance, along with The Idea Village and Great New Orleans, Inc., developed IDEAtours, a new program beginning in December to inspire and recruit national entrepreneurs to move their companies to the New Orleans area. The program includes a 24-hour curated experience exposing participants to resources, incentives, programs and an opportunity to meet with leaders of the city’s entrepreneurial scene. Read the full story (subscription may be required).
Detour ahead: At a time when other cities are tearing down the elevated interstates that divide their communities, The Advertiser reports Lafayette is pushing forward with plans to build an elevated six-lane interstate that will skirt downtown and some of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. But a grassroots effort is organizing to rethink how or even if the 5.5-mile stretch of elevated Interstate 49, called the I-49 South Connector, should cut through Lafayette. Read the full story.
