Top 50 Maryland Tax Scofflaws "Caught In The Web"

LAUREL, Md. (WUSA) -- Comptroller Peter Franchot announced the names of 25 businesses and 25 individuals owing nearly $6 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest through the agency's "Caught in the Web" program.

The state's top individual tax "scofflaw" is Leon Clements of Laurel, according to the list. Clements owes nearly $400,000, according to the Comptroller's office.

Clements lives in his mother's suburban home. She says he is unemployed and his tax trouble dates back to a failed computer business. She calls the Comptroller's tactics "unfair."

The Comptroller made the announcement at schools in Silver Spring and Baltimore to highlight the impact that uncollected revenue can have on improving the quality of life in local communities across Maryland.

"The vast majority of Marylanders are hard-working, honest and pay their fair share in state taxes," said Comptroller Franchot. "This program highlights those who would enjoy the benefits of living in Maryland and allow their neighbors to shoulder all the financial costs. The Comptroller's Office is committed to ensuring that everyone pays their fair share, a principal even more important in these troubled financial times."

Since the program's inception in 2000, the agency has collected over $23 million from 510 delinquent taxpayers. The most recent "Caught in the Web" list includes liabilities of more than $2.8 million in back taxes, penalties and interest from individuals and $3.4 million from businesses.

"Caught in the Web" was created to send a message to those who have ignored all attempts by the state to collect overdue taxes. The names of the 50 worst delinquents owing the largest amounts in back taxes are listed on the agency's website for six months or until payment has been received or a payment plan set up. Initially, the Comptroller's Office sends a letter to a delinquent taxpayer listing any unpaid charges incurred for taxes, interest and penalties and asking for return correspondence. Should the taxpayer fail to pay, provide a qualifying reason for having not yet paid, or enter into a payment plan, the Comptroller's Office may then:

* file a lien
* garnish wages
* prevent renewal of state business licenses
* prevent renewal of professional and occupational licenses
* attach assets (including bank accounts)
* intercept state and federal tax refunds
* 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
* suspend state payments if the taxpayer does business with the state

A free brochure, entitled, Delinquent Tax Collections and You, is provided by the Comptroller's Office to fully explain how to resolve a delinquent tax matter, and what to expect if overdue taxes are not paid. The brochure can be downloaded from the agency's website.

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