No one likes to pay taxes, but it's our civic duty. And if you're not feeling very dutiful, the Delaware Division of Revenue will try to shame you into forking over the cash.
The government agency keeps a list of the top 100 delinquent individuals and businesses on it’s Web site. The list has names, addresses and the amount of taxes owed, for all to see.
The shaming technique works, according to Jim Pavia, editor of investmentnews.com, because it relies on a "time-tested method: a vocal condemnation of cheating followed by a display of the cheater's bad acts for all to see."
Delaware has collected almost $4 million in back taxes from hundreds of businesses and individuals since it started its list, according to Patrick Carter, Director of Delaware's revenue agency.
Here are the Top 10 people listed for owing back taxes as of 02/26/2009:
| Peter W Green | $1,480,914.98 | Harbeson, Del. |
| Mark Yagalla | 721,552.13 | Weatherly, Pa. |
| James Baker Sr | 565,880.94 | New Castle, Del. |
| Karl Kraus | 476,666.31 | Middletown, Del. |
| Benjamin Smith | 423,355.22 | Dover, Del. |
| Glenn A Evans | 422,508.68 | Shakopee, Minn. |
| Anthony Borsello | 415,332.21 | Wilmington, Del. |
| Calvin E Stewart | 376,844.60 | New Castle, Del. |
| Patricia Gail Evans | 325,184.11 | Elkton, Md. |
| Robert M Jones | 297,265.46 | Coatesville, Pa. |
| Robert L Tann | 294,460.30 | Wilmington, Del. |
Here are the Top 10 businesses listed for owing back taxes as of 02/26/2009:
| Delmar Homes Inc. | 727,692.99 | Bridgeville, Del. |
| White Oak Inc | 515,331.04 | Newark, Del. |
| Zeigler Sylvia L | 435,875.63 | Claymont, De |
| Hartman & Associates, Inc. | 386,894.45 | Newark, Del. |
| First Correctional Medical-De | 378,958.81 | Tucson, Ariz. |
| Arrowhead Management Svcs Inc | 355,028.64 | Dover, Del. |
| First State Staffing Plus Inc | 314,490.51 | Seaford, Del. |
| Melvin Mark W | 243,405.57 | Dover, Del. |
| J & G Corporation | 240,576.70 | Lincoln, Del. |
| Chesapeake Carriers Inc | 215,517.22 | Seaford, Del. |
| O'Brien Energy Services Inc | 204,926.46 | Wayne, Pa. |
Once you make the hit list, your name or business stays there until you make good one of the following requirements:
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· Pay all the taxes you owe.
· Provide proof, if you've already paid up.
· Prove that you're bankrupt.
· Work out a payment plan.
More than 20 states use public humiliation to encourage businesses and individuals to pay overdue taxes.
