New York – Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced a new initiative to encourage individuals who owe significant back taxes to pay their bills. Under the new program, a New York State driver license can be suspended when a taxpayer’s past-due tax liability exceeds $10,000. The crackdown is the result of legislation introduced as part of the Executive Budget and signed into law earlier this year.
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“Our message is simple: tax scofflaws who don’t abide by the same rules as everyone else are not entitled to the same privileges as everyone else,” Governor Cuomo said. “These worst offenders are putting an unfair burden on the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who are hardworking, law-abiding taxpayers. By enacting these additional consequences, we’re providing additional incentives for the state to receive the money it is owed and we’re keeping scofflaws off the very roads they refuse to pay their fair share to maintain.”
“It’s in every taxpayer’s best interest to pay all tax bills in full,” said Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas H. Mattox. ”If you can’t pay in full, our staff is available to help you arrange a payment plan that will satisfy your debt.”
The new initiative is estimated to increase State collections by $26 million this fiscal year and as much as $6 million annually thereafter.
The Tax Department is sending the first round of 16,000 suspension notices to delinquent taxpayers, who have 60 days from the mailing date to arrange payment with the Department. If the taxpayer fails to do so, the Department of Motor Vehicles will send a second letter providing an additional 15 days to respond. If the delinquent taxpayer again fails to arrange payment, the license is suspended until the debt is paid or a payment plan is established.
A taxpayer who drives while the suspension is in effect is subject to arrest and penalties. Those with a suspended license can, however, apply for a restricted license, that allows them to drive to work, and return directly home.
In New York State, 96% of taxes are paid by businesses and individuals who voluntarily meet their tax responsibilities. The remaining 4% is collected through the Tax Department’s audit, collections and criminal investigations programs. Through enforcement programs, such as suspension of driver licenses, the Department ensures fair tax administration for all New Yorkers.
To contact the Tax Department:
• Visit www.tax.ny.gov
• Call (518) 862-6000 to settle a tax debt or arrange a payment plan
if someone owes that much in taxes they should be in jail.
communism
Many people have been devastated by this economy and are unable to feed their families and pay rent, much less their back taxes. Our government bails out the banks, the auto industry, airlines – yet makes no provision for people broken by the economy. This is a stupid law by a foolish politician.
will be challenged in court and the state will lose.
Aha right, let’s mark them with hot metal on their foreheads!
Take away their cars!
Take away their houses!
Like in Phila, if you don’t pay your water bill to township – they put a lean on your house!
Why? Because water company belongs to government!!!
How about the law if any politician mismanage tax money – he will have to reimburse it from his pocket or go to jail?
How about this one Mr.Guomo?
How will Charlie Rangel get around town without his license? Oh I forgot, his limo driver does pay his taxes.
I thought we have a court system to tackle these issues with the power to mete out punishment. Too many laws and too many politicians.
Lets call our State elected officials and tell them to vote against this stupid law.
#3 I agree with you 100%, the middle class is left out to dry. It just doesn’t pay to work anymore in this City. Rather be on the programs and get hefty EIC every year then working and making less then $100k a year. Government is forcing the middle class and small business out of jobs and business.
If this continues, very shortly we will look like Russia, China, North Korea, Cuba.
Yeah, all our freedoms are now on the line, either pay up or we take away your “privilege” to drive.
What’s next take away the children?
What’s next if you drink
16 oz. Soda ?
I CAN’T WAIT to move out of NY…..This has become the sickest state in the country.
Thats what happens with all liberals