Tax debt jeopardized couple’s ability to remain in their home

Recently, an elderly couple contacted the Ombudsman with a problem they were having with a debt and a lien of approximately $8,000. The debt was originally to the Ohio Department of Taxation, which was eventually turned over to the attorney general’s office for collection. In an attempt to collect, a lien was placed on the couple’s home.

The couple had already written to the AG’s office to request a case review and made an offer to repay the debt. Three months had passed since that letter was sent, and, despite telephone calls and leaving messages, there was no response. The couple felt that their ability to remain in their home was endangered, and they contacted the Ombudsman for assistance in getting a response from the AG’s office.

The Ombudsman contacted an assistant attorney general who works with the Ohio Department of Taxation on settlement offers. The Ombudsman was pleased to learn that the couple’s settle- ment offer had been accepted and that settlement documents were being drafted and would be mailed shortly.

The couple later contacted the Ombudsman and were thrilled at having a resolution to a problem that had been bothering them for some time.

THE OMBUDSMAN

column, a production of the Joint Office of Citizens’ Complaints, summarizes selected problems that citizens have had with government and social services, utilities, schools and nursing homes in the Dayton area. Contact the Ombudsman by writing to 11 West Monument Avenue, Suite 606, Dayton 45402, or telephone (937) 2234613, or by electronic mail at ombudsman@daytonombudsman.org or our website at www.daytonombudsman.org.