NILES Tax delinquents face legal action, arrest

Court officials are still working on getting the notices ready.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- Without money in the coffers, it can be difficult to run a city.
That's part of the reason why city officials rely so heavily on collection of the city's income tax from residents and businesses alike.
Those who don't file, however could find themselves facing court action.
Niles Tax Director Janet Rizer said those who failed to file income tax returns with the city already were issued delinquent notices; anyone ignoring those could be called into court.
"The court is still working on those notices," she said.
Those who ignore the court notices could have a warrant issued for their arrest.
Letters
Each year, tax office employees determine, based on the previous year's filings, who failed to file income tax returns with the city.
This year, Rizer said, letters went out to a few thousand individuals and businesses who neglected to file.
"Some of them may not even owe any money, but they still have to file," Rizer said.
Until all returns are filed, it's impossible to determine how much money the city is owed, she said.
The money generated from the city's income tax is used to pay everything from salaries for city employees to purchasing equipment for departments like streets and water.
Rizer said there is no single reason why people do not file their returns with the city. Sometimes they believe if they don't owe any money, it's not necessary to file; sometimes they don't file if they don't have the money to pay; sometimes they simply forget to file.
"Some people may think their accountant filed it for them," Rizer said.
She said she's had cases where an accountant gives the envelope with the return inside, and people simply file it with other tax documents, neglecting to mail it.
Those who received delinquent tax notices can avoid court action by contacting the tax office, Rizer said.
Anyone who owes taxes can even arrange a payment plan with the city.
"If they come in and get everything taken care of, we can get any court action dismissed," she said.
To contact the office's staff, call (330) 544-9000, Ext. 7.
slshaulis@vindy.com