Enforcement Program

The state of Maryland is particularly aggressive regarding tax collections, including holds on Driver’s Licenses and even arrests. The following quote comes directly from the state’s official website:

“The Comptroller’s Enforcement Program, is staffed with Enforcement Agents who are sworn police officers. The agents work individual investigations and also joint cases with inspectors. Enforcement Agents are charged with investigating violations of state revenue laws pertaining to tobacco, trader’s and transient vendors license, sales and use tax, alcoholic beverage violations and IFTA and motor fuel violations.

Investigations conducted by the agents may result in a physical arrest or the violator receiving a criminal citation. FED Agents also work closely with other state law enforcement agencies and Federal law enforcement agencies such as the ATF, FBI, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, to monitor and arrest individuals that live in the state and individuals that live outside the state who enter Maryland to commit revenue crimes.”

As a result of this aggressive stance, we at Larson Tax Relief have had frequent dealings with the Comptroller’s Office, and are well versed in getting optimal results from those dealings. Please contact us if you are in need of assistance with the state.

Driver’s License and Registration Holds

In seeking to resolve liabilities maintained by individuals or businesses, the state may take steps to inhibit driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations, making it illegal to use the associated privileges until the liability has been addressed.

Attachment of Assets (Liens)

If you are delinquent in tax matters, the state may file a lien. This serves as a public notice of liability and may affect credit and property-related transactions as such. A lien also enables future enforced collection actions, in the form of asset seizures. Assets that can be seized include everything from wages and bank accounts, to physical inventory and other real property.

Enforced Collection Actions

Failure to pay or otherwise address a tax bill can result in enforced collection actions on the part of the state. Such actions include (but are not limited to) the filing of liens, wage garnishments, seizures, and license holds.

The “Caught in the Web” Program

The state Comptroller publishes an online list of delinquent individuals and entities with significant tax liabilities.

Hearings and Appeals

If you disagree with a tax assessment, refund denial, or other such matter, you may dispute it if you do so promptly upon receiving notice of it.

License Revocation

As with driver’s licenses, vendors may have their licenses for operation inhibited if they fail to address tax matters and related notices from the state.

Private Collection Agencies

The State may employ a collection agency to resolve particular cases of delinquency. Should such an agency contact you, verify their identity prior to divulging any personal information.

Payment Plans

If an individual or business is unable to pay a tax bill in full, they may arrange to pay it off in regular installments. Typically the duration of the arrangement has to be relatively short, and if long enough, may require review and additional security measures to protect the state’s interests.

Penalties

Failure to fully pay or file taxes can result in additions to the total liability in the form of penalties. Penalties vary by circumstance and by the type of tax they are associated with.

Personal Liability

Corporate officers and other individuals bearing responsibility regarding tax matters may be held personally responsible for an entity’s failure in such matters.

Representation

You may choose to authorize another party to represent you in tax matters before the state. To do so, you must complete and submit the appropriate documentation.