More Tax Scofflaws Caught in Comptroller Schaefer's Web

Listed Delinquents Owe Nearly $6.3 million

ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 26, 2005) - Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer has updated the "Caught in the Web" page on his agency's Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com, listing 50 new names of individuals and businesses owing nearly $6.3 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. The initiative has garnered almost $13 million in delinquent personal income and business taxes from nearly 350 delinquent taxpayers since its inception in 2000.

"Our 'Caught in the Web' program makes it clear the state is serious about collecting on these delinquent tax accounts," said Comptroller Schaefer. "Just by looking at the numbers, you can tell that this initiative really works."

Initially, the Comptroller's Office notifies a delinquent taxpayer or business by mailing a bill to the delinquent party, listing the unpaid charges incurred for taxes, interest and penalties. Should the taxpayer fail to pay or enter into a payment plan, the Comptroller's office can then:

• file a lien
• attach assets (including bank accounts)
• intercept state and federal tax refunds
• garnish wages
• file an estimated assessment for taxes due in unreported periods
• issue a summons to appear at a hearing to revoke a sales tax license or initiate other legal processes
• hold up state payments if the taxpayer does business with the state
• prevent renewal of state business licenses

"Caught in the Web" was created to send a message to those who have ignored all attempts by the state to collect the overdue taxes. The names of 50 individuals and businesses owing the largest amounts in back taxes are listed on the agencies Web site until payment has been received or a payment plan has been set up. "Sometimes the thought of having their name on our Web site is enough to motivate someone to pay," said Comptroller Schaefer. "They know we mean business."

A free brochure entitled "Delinquent Tax Collections and You" that fully explains how to resolve a delinquent tax matter and what to expect if overdue taxes are not paid is provided by the Office of the Comptroller. The brochure can be downloaded from the Comptroller's Web site at www.marylandtaxes.com.

CONTACT:

Michael D. Golden 410-260-7305

Karen Sweeney 410-260-7252