Freelancers, actors, waiters, web designers and all sorts of people who receive 1099s often find themselves puzzled at why they get letters from the city telling them that they owe money. That's because if you're doing business within the city of Los Angeles, you officially need to declare your earnings. In many cases, people don't earn enough for you to owe, but if you don't register in a timely fashion, you will owe plus interest and penalty, per city law. However, in a push to fill the city deficit, Mayor Villaraigosa is using a Tax Penalty Amnesty Program that ends July 31st to encourage businesses and people to pay their taxes without penalty (interest not included). To take advantage of the amnesty program call the L.A. Tax Amnesty Hotline at (213) 978-1555 weekdays from 8:00 A.M. to 5 P.M. or go to www.lacity.org/finance/amnesty/ for more information and office locations. more ›