By Canadian Press

Syracuse profits by handwriting thousands of late-tax notes

Nov 13, 2018 | 9:45 AM

ALBANY, N.Y. — A city in New York state has found a novel way of motivating residents to pay their back taxes: personal notes handwritten by city officials.

The idea stemmed from an experiment on late-tax payments, in which the city of Syracuse partnered with researchers at Syracuse University. City officials wrote and signed thousands of notes by hand, rather than sending standard legal letters demanding payment.

The result was the city collecting nearly $1.5 million more than it predicted traditional methods alone would have brought in. University researchers estimate that the personal approach brought in 57 per cent more revenue from delinquent property owners than the city could expect from using more traditional letters.

The notes took a less threatening approach, focusing on steps the resident could take to avoid late penalties or legal action. Instead of being addressed “dear property owner,” the notes were all personally addressed to the resident. Each had a brief, handwritten message on the outside of the envelope as well, researchers said.

“It’s the kind of positive outcome that occurs when you aren’t afraid to try something new,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said in a statement.

GreenFox

Why waiting to replace your windows and doors could cost you more than you think

Jul 22, 2026

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

Collecting late taxes is a big challenge for many cities, which often use computer-generated letters to residents threatening action if the money isn’t paid. The researchers said the experiment could have broad applications to a number of different government services. The researchers said they aren’t aware of any other city in the U.S. using the personalized note method to collect taxes.

“These are small, simple changes that can have huge payoffs,” said Leonard Lopoo, a Syracuse professor and director and co-founder of Maxwell X Lab, a behavioural research centre at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School.

The lab’s managing director, Joe Boskovski, called the experiment common sense, saying treating people as humans can yield results.

The findings were first reported by The Associated Press. City officials announced them publicly on Tuesday.

___

This story has been corrected to show the correct spelling of the researcher’s last name is Lopoo, not Lapoo.

David Klepper, The Associated Press

by Canadian Press

Syracuse profits by handwriting thousands of late-tax notes

What's Happening