Thousands of New York tax delinquents have lost their driving privileges.
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Monday that 8,900 drivers had their licenses suspended for failing to pay taxes they owe to the state.
The crackdown is a result of legislation signed into law last year that encourages people who owe more than $10,000 in back taxes to settle up with the state tax department or face consequences.
“For many, this message is getting through and as a result thousands of people have come forward to do the right thing and find a way to pay their taxes. Those who haven’t are losing their drivers licenses,” Cuomo said.
Drivers have 60 days to arrange payment after the tax department mails them a suspension notice. If they fail to do so, the department sends a second letter, and drivers have 15 more days to respond before they face losing their license until the debt is paid or a payment plan is arranged.
More than 17,700 drivers were contacted starting in August 2013. In addition to the nearly 9,000 suspensions, 6,500 tax evaders have either paid in full or are marking payments toward their debt and 2,300 were determined ineligible for the suspension.
It also resulted in a nearly $56.4 million increase of state and local tax collections.
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