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.
Links
Maxwell XLab
The Maxwell X Lab started in January 2017 with a singular purpose - partner with the public and nonprofit sector to build evidence for what works. We leverage behavioral science and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to intelligently design and rigorously evaluate everything we do.
AllynFoundation
Newsworthy
How some handwriting saved Syracuse taxpayers $1.47M in 4 months - syracuse.com
The X Lab at SU's Maxwell School helped Syracuse collect $1.47M in delinquent property taxes
City of Syracuse Collects $1.5 Million in Back Taxes through SU Maxwell School's 'X-Lab' | WAER
Syracuse University researchers and the City of Syracuse have found a unique way to encourage property owners to pay their overdue property taxes.
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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