Syracuse, NY is using handwritten letters to reduce tax delinquency
Syracuse, NY reducing tax delinquency the old-fashioned way
Partnering with the X Lab, the city of Syracuse carried out tests to see whether handwritten letters would elicit a better response rate and help reduce tax delinquency. The city mailed out more than 3,800 letters to residents who were behind on their property tax bills and half of those letters had a handwritten note on the front of the envelope.
Project Succeeded
Homeowners who received handwritten letters contributed 88% more tax revenue than those who received printed notices. Over four months, the city collected $1.47 million in overdue property taxes from owners who got those courtesy notes. Hundreds of people got current on their tax bills, saving them from tax liens, interest costs and foreclosure.
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