Every month, the state of New York publishes a notice listing people who are delinquent in paying their taxes and have a tax warrant. The list includes anyone with a warrant filed in the previous 12 months.
The state files warrants when someone falls behind on paying their taxes, but not everyone who falls behind will end up on this public list or have a warrant against them.
People excluded from the list
The goal of the state is to recoup the money you owe. They publish the warrant list in an effort to help get that money from you. But they do not want to shame you if you are willing to work with them or take the proper steps to satisfy this debt.
If you have requested a review of your tax records or you have protested the claims of the state, you will not go on the public warrant list. You also will avoid the list if you filed for bankruptcy or if you have worked with the tax agency to create a repayment plan.
Additional ways off the list
Once you resolve your warrant, your name comes off the list. The state also will remove names when a taxpayer dies.
You should note the state does not file a warrant for all overdue taxes. Usually, as long as you are working with the agency or taking steps to resolve your debt, you can avoid a warrant and will never end up on the list. Filing a warrant is simply a way for the state to protect itself and to have a claim to the money you owe.