Metro

Tax cheats about to lose their licenses

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The state is putting the brakes on tax scofflaws.

Gov. Cuomo plans to announce a program today that allows New York to suspend the driver’s licenses of taxpayers who owe more than $10,000, The Post has learned.

The state estimates it will recoup $26 million this fiscal year and about $6 million a year in future years.

The first round of suspension notices are being sent to 16,000 tax delinquents, who have 60 days to pay the bill or make satisfactory arrangements to cough up the money.

Otherwise, they’ll find themselves walking or taking buses and subways.

The program was included in Cuomo’s budget, and he signed the measure in the spring.

“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,” Cuomo said.

“Our message is simple: Tax scofflaws who don’t abide by the same rules as everyone else are not entitled to the same privileges as everyone else.

“These worst offenders are putting an unfair burden on the overwhelming majority of New Yorkers who are hardworking, law-abiding taxpayers,” he added.

According to tax records, Michael D. Zurawin of Putnam County is the worst offender. He owes a whopping $16.7 million in back income taxes.

Other major scofflaws include David Devol of Port Washington, who owes $4.5 million for unpaid income and business taxes on Bay Watch Yachts; and Allan Parham, who owes $4.1 million on personal income and business taxes for his Bronx construction company, Always Ready & Reliable Inc., according to state tax authorities.

Most New Yorkers do pay their bills. According to the Department of Taxation and Finance, only 4 percent of all taxes are collected through the department’s audit, collections and criminal-investigations unit.

Those who lose their licenses will have the option to apply for a restricted license to drive to and from work.

“If you can’t pay in full, our staff is available to help you arrange a payment plan that will satisfy your debt,” said Taxation and Finance Commissioner Thomas Mattox.

Delinquent taxpayers have 60 days from the mailing date to arrange payment with the department.

After that, the Department of Motor Vehicles will send a second letter giving them 15 days to respond.

And if that doesn’t work, scofflaws’ licenses will be suspended until the debts are paid or a payment plan has been agreed to.