Governor Blunt has launched a new Internet site designed to inform Missouri consumers about companies breaking the law by not paying taxes as required by law. The new site, www.whoisnotpaying.mo.gov, lists businesses that have failed to comply with state tax law, negatively impacting consumers, local communities, and the state.

"It is time for Missourians to know which businesses are following the law and which businesses are breaking the law," Governor Blunt said. "Keeping sales tax collected from customers or failing to submit income tax withheld from employees is wrong. This unlawful practice cheats Missouri consumers and strangles funding for vital services, such as educating our children. It cheats cities and counties and reduces funding for important public safety expenses, including law enforcement and fire protection. It is time we shine the light on those businesses and insist they follow the law."

The Internet site follows legislation the Governor signed this year giving the Department of Revenue the authority to publish the names of businesses that have revoked sales tax licenses, which can result from failing to remit sales tax collected from customers or income tax withheld from employees. Users of the Who is Not Paying site can search for companies by tax number or business name or may request a list of all revoked businesses within a city or county. Companies on the site have been contacted by mail or phone several times but remain in non-compliance. The site also gives honest taxpayers the option to report anonymously companies who appear to be operating without a sales tax license. The department already has received several tips that are under investigation.