City of Lakewood Encourages Residents to File Taxes to Avoid Prosecution

Lakewood residents who have failed to file their tax returns could face criminal charges in Lakewood Municipal Court.

Through a special prosecutor, the city may begin filing charges in August, using data obtained in a partnership with the City of Cleveland’s Division of Taxation and the Internal Revenue Service.

“It’s much easier for taxpayers to call the tax department to resolve these issues and get set up with a payment plan than it is to respond to a criminal filing,” said Patricia Chittock, the assistant finance director for the city’s Division of Municipal Income Tax.

The charge — failure to file a tax return — is a first-degree misdemeanor. Those found guilty face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine per tax return.

Those who haven’t filed are encouraged to call the Lakewood Division of Municipal Income Tax at 216-529-6620.