State to name those who owe RI money

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Those who owe taxes in Rhode Island are being given an incentive to get up to date thanks to a little-known section of the latest budget.

Officials say that they plan to release a public list of exactly which businesses and individuals owe the most money to the state.

The idea is that that by publishing two lists with the top-100 tax delinquents in each category, Rhode Island will recover some of it's $300 million shortfall.

"Don't ignore the liability, contact us," says Neil Downing of the RI Division of Taxation. "If you work with us we'll put you on a reasonable payment arrangement and then you'll never end up having to be on the list."

It's estimated that the move will bring in nearly $2 million in revenue this year alone.

Tax officials stress that the list is a last resort and that they are more than willing to work with people who are behind on their payments.

"Once we do put them on the website, all they need to do is contact us, get on a payment plan and we will remove their name immediately," Downing continued.

Any person or business will receive four warnings before being put on the list along with a notification when their name is added.