Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot released a list of the top 25 individuals and 25 businesses that owe the state government money a total of almost $16 million.
The “scofflaws,” as Franchot calls them, owe Maryland $15.7 million in unpaid taxes, penalties and interest. Eight of the businesses and two of the individuals have addresses in Greater Baltimore. By publicizing the list, Franchot said he hopes to send a message to those who have ignored attempts to collect overdue taxes while deterring others from engaging in tax evasion.
“These are not people simply down on their luck and unable to pay,” Franchot said of the list. “These are people who have chosen to take advantage of the benefits of this great state while thumbing their noses at the taxpayers who fulfill their obligations.”
Since the Comptroller’s Office started publishing a list annually in 2000, it has collected more than $43.3 million from delinquent taxpayers whose names appeared on the lists. Franchot urged those on this year’s list to contact his office and either pay immediately or set up a payment plan.