A state website that lists delinquent taxpayers in Wisconsin will soon be able to add some new names. For nearly two years, the Department of Revenue has posted the names of delinquent taxpayers to its Website of Shame , if they owe $25,000 or more. Spokeswoman Meredith Helgerson says the effort has paid off, with the state collecting $25 million in owed taxes so far.
The list will get an upgrade in 2008, thanks to a provision in the state budget that lowers the threshold for being listed to $5,000. Helgerson says it's another tool the state will be able to use to encourage those taxpayers to meet their obligations.
Helgerson expects the list to grow a great deal with the change. However, delinquents will have a chance to pay off their debt before they end up on the list. She says DOR is currently contacting those who will qualify under the new requirements for being listed.