GAO -- $49 Billion in Uncollected Payroll Taxes
Guide Extra: 08/10/99
(About the GAO)
The GAO prepared the report, "Unpaid Payroll Taxes -- Billions in Delinquent Taxes and Penalty Assessments are Owed," in response to an inquiry from the House Committee on Government Reform -- Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology, chaired by Rep. Stephen Horn.
Types of businesses most commonly found to have unpaid taxes, according to the report are construction companies and restaurants, while other types of businesses like computer software, child care and professional services also owe unpaid taxes.
The report also notes that most unpaid payroll taxes are not fully collectible and have little potential for recovery as many of the involved businesses have become insolvent or gone out of business.
The full GAO report (GAO/AIMD/GGD-99-211)
can be downloaded in Adobe .pdf format from:
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About the General Accounting Office (GAO)
The General Accounting Office
is the investigative arm of Congress. Charged with examining matters relating to the
receipt and disbursement of public funds, GAO performs audits and evaluations of
Government programs and activities. The GAO is charged with with examining all matters
relating to the receipt and disbursement of public funds.
Created under the Budget and Accounting Act of 1921 (31 U.S.C. 702), the GAO conducts independent audits of government agencies. GAO is under the control and direction of the Comptroller General of the United States, who is appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate for a term of 15 years.
