Delinquent taxpayers face Internet identification         

Other enforcement tools available if payment obligations ignored

[MARCH 1, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- The Illinois Department of Revenue is adding the threat of public embarrassment to its arsenal of collection tools by exercising a state law that allows the department to make public the names of those businesses and individuals who ignore tax obligations. The names, addresses and outstanding tax balances of 100 businesses and individuals were posted to the department's website today. Taxpayers with a final liability for any tax collected by the department, including penalties and interest, may be included on the list if the amount due totals $1,000 or more and at least six months have passed since the date the taxes were assessed or became final.

All taxpayers on the list were notified by certified mail at their last known address at least 90 days prior to today and given an opportunity to bring their account into compliance. Since the notices went out, 89 taxpayers have paid a total of $590,000 to avoid being identified publicly.

"The taxpayers whose names appear today owe money not just to the Department of Revenue, they owe money to all the citizens of Illinois," said Brian Hamer, department director. "They have a right to know whose these people are."

Internet posting is one available enforcement action. The Department of Revenue has also invoked its authority to revoke certificates of registration for businesses, levy bank accounts, garnish wages and establish liens. In addition, the Department of Revenue reports delinquent taxpayers with professional state licenses to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which will pull the licenses. The department can seize real business or individual assets if they can be located.

The Department of Revenue will consider payment plans for those unable to pay their entire liability when due. Taxpayers also have a number of due process rights and protections that must be respected.

[Illinois Department of Revenue news release]