Maryland Releases Top Tax Evaders List

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.

As part of his “Caught in the Web” program, the comptroller’s office publishes a list of the top 25 individuals and top 25 business that owe the state back taxes, penalties and interest — one of which is a Potomac resident.

Mary Gerachis, who lives in Potomac, owes $254,116.59 as an individual.

“This fires me up,” Franchot said, “Here in Montgomery County will 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.”

The top individuals, Jacques and Marlene Rubin of Palm Beach, Fla., owe Maryland $4.5 million dollars, nearly ten 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, Md.

“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.”

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.