ANNAPOLIS, MD (March 22, 2006) - Maryland Comptroller William Donald Schaefer today updated the "Caught in the Web" page on his agency's Web site, www.marylandtaxes.com, listing 50 new names of individuals and businesses owing nearly $13.3 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. This initiative has collected more than $16.1 million from delinquent personal and business taxpayers since its inception in 2000.

"Honest, hard-working people who pay their taxes should not have to carry the load for those who don't," said Comptroller Schaefer.

The tax liability of those listed on the "Caught in the Web" page is split between individuals, owing more than $6.5 million, and businesses, owing more than $6.8 million. To date, the "Caught in the Web" program has collected more than $5.1 million in delinquent personal income taxes, penalties and interest. Business taxes collected top $11 million.

"Eventually, everyone pays their share," said Comptroller Schaefer. "Why make your part more expensive and more of a headache for you and everyone else?"

"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 individuals and businesses owing the largest amounts in back taxes are listed on the agency's Web site until payment has been received or a payment plan has been set up.

Initially, the Comptroller's Office sends a letter to a delinquent taxpayer or business 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 can then:

• file a lien
• attach assets (including bank accounts)
• intercept state and federal tax refunds
• garnish wages
• 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
• prevent renewal of state business licenses

A free brochure, entitled, Delinquent Tax Collections and You, is provided by the Office of the Comptroller 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 Comptroller's Web site at www.marylandtaxes.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michael D. Golden, 410-260-7305
Kevin P. Kane, 410-260-7578