According to a recent article in the Washington Post, Virginia is increasing its spending in its efforts to collect unpaid taxes. The state has hired 55 workers at a cost of $1.2 million while eliminating jobs in other areas and cutting core government services in its efforts to address a $2.9 billion shortfall.

According to the Virginia State Department of Taxation, as of last year taxpayers owed the state $1.4 billion: $51 million just for the past 30 days, about $284 million came due in the past year, and the rest has been delinquent for more than a year. The amounts include unpaid payroll tax, unpaid income tax, and unpaid sales and excise taxes.

Of the 55 newly hired employees, 15 are collectors. So, one should expect the state to be more aggressive in its efforts to collect unpaid taxes.

What can the state government do to collect those taxes? Make phone calls to your home or business. Visit your business or your home. Revoke your business license. Ask a court to freeze your bank accounts. Petition the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to turn over your federal tax refund.

The Sodowsky Law Firm, located in Fairfax, Virginia, helps businesses and individuals resolve unpaid federal tax and unpaid state tax issues, including tax liens, levies, and unfiled tax returns. So, if you are among those who owe the Commonwealth of Virginia a portion of that $1.4 billion, check out www.sodowskylaw.com or call us at 703.98.8000 to schedule a confidential 1/2 hour consultation.

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