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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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6

Tax Collectors Use MySpace, Google to Find Deadbeats

Public profiles can provide valuable income information for revenue agents

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(Newser) – Internet-savvy state tax collectors are using a new tool in tracking down evaders: social networking websites. Tax collectors are taking advantage of the fact that an individual’s MySpace or Facebook profile often contains quite a bit of professional information, the Wall Street Journal reports. Agents in Nebraska, for example, recently collected $2,000 from a DJ who advertised a prominent gig on MySpace.

MySpace works best, agents say, because the majority of profiles are public. Google is also a valuable resource, because it provides easy access to company personnel rosters that can give a rough idea of income. Facebook may be the safest for evaders, because profiles by default are viewable only by “friends.” In Nebraska and California, agents aren’t allowed to friend individuals using sham profiles to collect information.

This is an undated screen grab showing the new MySpace music page.
This is an undated screen grab showing the new MySpace music page.   (AP Photo/MySpace)
The MySpace.com logo.
The MySpace.com logo.   (MySpace)
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These new supplements are often far more efficient than the older ones, such as reading the local newspaper or making inquiries at barbershops and church meetings.
- Jim Eads, director, Federation of Tax Administrators

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6 comments
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timeandagain
Aug 27, 09 3:34 PM CDT
Deadbeats? They ought to look on Newser. All of the liberals that post on these boards are deadbeats who don't pay taxes! Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
odowd80
Aug 27, 09 3:39 PM CDT
I think the tax-hating, anarchist, gun-toting tea-baggers are more likely to evade taxes.
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0
easterner
Aug 27, 09 3:38 PM CDT
MySpace works best, agents say, because the majority of profiles are public.........and who owns myspace ............Fox Interactive Media, which is owned by News Corporation. Reply
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+2
Sacrifice
Aug 27, 09 6:52 PM CDT
I bet you most people think they are safe on the internet. Reply
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+2
Reader60610265
Aug 27, 09 7:11 PM CDT
Ya and most of them give up way too much information. But don't tell them they'll just say your to conservative.. Reply
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+1

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