If you owe taxes and don’t pay them your property could be seized, your wages garnished, future tax refunds withheld and your passport revoked. Did you know that unpaid taxes could also lead to suspension of your NY State driver’s license?

Yes you read correctly. If you owe $10,000 or more the far-reaching arm of the NY State Department of Taxation and Finance could help prevent you from being behind the wheel. This law is nothing new. Since 2013, the NY Department of Motor Vehicles has partnered with the Department of Taxation and Finance to help collect tax liabilities. Taxation and Finance will recommend that the Department of Motor Vehicles suspend delinquent taxpayers’ driver’s licenses. It is a serious punishment but then again NY is serious about collecting its money.

Before that happens though they will first notify you that taxes are due by sending you a Notice of Proposed Driver’s License Suspension. You have 60 days to resolve the amount you are claimed to owe. If you receive this notice don’t bury your head in the sand. If you do you’ll likely receive a letter from the DMV warning you of your upcoming driver’s license suspension.

There are exemptions available to certain individuals. You’ll still be able to avoid having your license suspended if you:

  • Have wages that are currently garnished for the tax due
  • Are paying child support or child/spousal support
  • Hold a commercial driver’s license (CDL)
  • Receive public assistance or supplemental security income (SSI)

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