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FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Tammy Cavender (573)
751-7500
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 23, 2007
Missouri’s Unemployment Insurance Program Collects Over $6.2 Million in
Delinquent Taxes, Penalties and Overpayments
Jefferson City, MO – The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations’ Division of Employment Security today announced $6,283,132 was collected in unemployment insurance (UI) delinquent taxes, penalties, interest and benefit overpayments from employers and claimants in January 2007.
"Claimants that misuse the unemployment insurance system and employers that fail to properly pay these taxes in a timely manner create a burden on Missouri employers,” said Rod Chapel, director of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations. “These collection efforts strengthen Missouri’s unemployment insurance system which, in turn, benefits Missouri’s businesses and workers.”
In January 2007, the Division collected $1,104,754.84 in restitution for overpaid benefits and monetary penalties from claimants. The Division of Employment Security investigates individuals that have allegedly received improper unemployment benefits. The most common reasons for improper payment are the collection of UI benefits after returning to work or concealing information on the weekly claim that would have made them ineligible for benefits.
In addition to overpaid benefits and investigating claimant fraud, the Division collects unemployment insurance delinquent taxes, penalties and interest from employers. In January, the Division collected $5,178,377.40 in delinquent taxes, penalties and interest from employers. Penalties are imposed if an employer fails to file any required report by the specified due date. Interest accrues on contributions that are due and unpaid after each quarterly due date.
For more information regarding the Division of Employment Security or to report potential unemployment insurance fraud, call (573) 751 – 3215 or visit www.dolir.mo.gov/es.
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Information and Planning · 421 East Dunklin
· P.O. Box 504 · Jefferson City, MO
65102-0504
573-751-7500 · 573-751-6552 (Fax)
Relay Missouri: 1-800-735-2966 (TDD) 1-800-735-2466 (Voice)