Severn Business on Maryland's Top Tax Evaders List

A recent release from the Maryland State Comptroller's office listed Kathy S. Expressions Inc., a local Severn business, as one of the top 25 establishments that owe the state back taxes, penalties and interest. 

The report listed the local business as possessing unresolved tax liabilities in excess of $73,000. 

As a part of Comptroller Peter Franchot's "Caught in the Web" program, the published list also featured the top 25 individuals evading taxes in the state. 

Maryland’s top tax cheats owe a combined $11 million dollars to the state, Comptroller Peter Franchot announced Tuesday morning, during a year where the state is struggling to balance its budget and continue to provide services.

“This fires me up,” Franchot said. “We have libraries that are cutting hours, there are potholes in the road, and here we have people who have millions of dollars evading their tax responsibilities to Maryland.”

“We are not trying to embarrass people,” Franchot said, “They are well aware they owe resources to the state, and many have the means to do so.”

The top individuals, Jacques and Marlene Rubin of Palm Beach, Fla., owe Maryland $4.5 million dollars, nearly 10 times more than any other business or individual on the list. Franchot’s office included a printout of a satellite image of the Rubins’ waterfront house in Palm Beach.

Phone book records indicate that a Jacques and Marlene Rubin have a residence in Owings Mills.

All cases are already public record, whether through liens or judgments recorded in circuit court.

Franchot said the comptroller’s office is more than willing to work with Maryland residents who are having trouble paying taxes because of economic hard times.

“These are not those people,” he said.