Online Tax Delinquents List Helps Pennsylvania Collect $25 Million in Unpaid Taxes

In its first year, the Department of Revenue collected more than $25 million in overdue sales and employer withholding taxes after posting the names of tax delinquents on its Web site. Seventy-eight new names have been added to the list this month.

"The tax delinquent Web site has proven to be an effective tool to collect unpaid taxes from businesses that previously ignored Revenue Department efforts," said state Department of Revenue Secretary Thomas W. Wolf. "Businesses collect sales and employer withholding taxes from their customers and employees. It's unfair for some businesses to keep that money."


Since the list was posted in April 2006, 141 of the 321 businesses that have appeared on the tax delinquent list have been removed from the site because they either paid their taxes in full or committed to a deferred payment plan. The list now includes a total of 258 businesses that owe sales and/or employer withholding taxes.

Businesses and individuals listed on the Web site are contacted by the department and given one final chance to make payment arrangements before appearing on the list. The prospect of appearing on the list has helped convince delinquent taxpayers to pay $25.05 million and enter into deferred payment plans for an additional $17.54 million in previously unpaid taxes.

Other states have found that the threat of public exposure can be a powerful tax collection incentive. At least 20 other states, including Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia, use Internet lists to help collect unpaid taxes.

Information on the Web site is public as a result of a lien filed by the Revenue Department. The liens are recorded in the county prothonotary's office where the person lives or does business. The amounts listed on the Web site represent the original liens. The current amount of tax due may differ from the amount listed on the site because of partial payments and/or the accrual of additional interest since the tax lien was filed.

Delinquent taxpayers who appear on the list should contact the Revenue Department at the telephone number listed on the letter they received or call the nearest Revenue district office to make payment arrangements. The Web site is updated monthly, and delinquent taxpayers who resolve their tax liabilities are removed from the site each month.