Cuomo: Tax Cheats To Have Licenses Suspended

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a new initiative Monday morning aimed at collecting millions in unpaid tax revenue across New York State, and it's hitting tax cheats in the wallet, just not in the way you'd expect.

The new plan suspends the drivers' license of any New York resident who owes more than $10,000 in back taxes. 

"These worst offenders are putting an unfair burden on the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who are hardworking, law-abiding taxpayers," Cuomo said in a statement. "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."

The legislation to establish the penalty was passed as part of the 2013 Executive Budget, and the crackdown is beginning this month. 

The state estimates that the law will lead to the collection of $26 million in unpaid taxes this year, and as much as $6 million per year after that. 

The NYS Tax Department is now beginning the process of sending suspension notices to the more than 16,000 state residents with outstanding tax bills.