Lakewood Income Tax Amnesty A Success--City Of Lakewood To Use IRS Records To Collect Delinquent Income Taxes In Phase Two Of Tax Compliance Initiative

In 2009, the City of Lakewood launched the first phase of a new initiative to collect delinquent income taxes. This first phase, a one-time income tax amnesty program was implemented to ensure that every taxpayer is aware of and contributing to the funding of city services (police, fire, street maintenance, waste collection, etc). Many took advantage of this opportunity to “wipe the slate clean” and from July 21, 2009 until September 30, 2009, the City of Lakewood collected $567,000 in delinquent tax dollars and processed 2,200 delinquent tax returns.

The second phase of the City of Lakewood’s tax compliance initiative will be a more thorough identification of noncompliant taxpayers.  A recently formed partnership with the City of Cleveland and the Central Collection Agency (CCA) allows the Income Tax Division access to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax records. This increases the City of Lakewood’s ability to identify taxpayers who did not file and/or pay the proper city income tax. Identified delinquent taxpayers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the Lakewood Income Tax Ordinance and be held responsible for all penalties and interest levied against any outstanding tax balance(s).

There is still time for taxpayers to file delinquent tax returns before the second phase is instituted in early 2010. The Lakewood Municipal Income Tax Division is located at 12805 Detroit Avenue in the City Hall Annex Building on the corner of Detroit and Alameda Avenue. No appointment is necessary. The Income Tax Division will assist with free Lakewood tax return preparation or assistance during regular business hours, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

The Division can address any questions or concerns in person, by phone at (216) 529-6620, or by email at taxdept@lakewoodoh.net during their regular business hours. Frequently asked questions, additional information, and/or tax forms are available on our website at www.onelakewood.com.