TaxConnections Picture - Blue CarIt’s not speeding. It’s not driving while under the influence. It’s not talking on your cell phone.

In New York State, it just got a whole lot easier to lose your license – for not paying your tax debt. Beginning this year, drivers who owe more than $10,000 in state taxes face losing their license until the debt is paid.

The crackdown is reflects a revenue raising measure in the state budget approved by lawmakers in March of this year.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said, about the initiative:

Our message is simple: tax scofflaws who do not abide by the same rules as everyone else are not entitled to the same privileges as everyone else. These worst offenders are putting an unfair burden on the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who are hardworking, law-abiding taxpayers. By enacting these additional consequences, we’re providing additional incentives for the state to receive the money it is owed and we’re keeping scofflaws off the very roads they refuse to pay their fair share to maintain.

Why such drastic measures? Money, of course. The Empire State boasts a 96% voluntary compliance rate for businesses and individuals but the remaining 4% remains a sore spot. The Tax Department estimates that it will increase collections by $26 million this fiscal year alone – about $6 million each year thereafter – by pushing this program. Read More