Nutter demands money from tax deadbeats

Taxman Nutter hasn't let up.

Nutter yesterday released an updated list of the city's top business-tax deadbeats. The group owes the city a combined $51 million.

"We want our money," Nutter said. "You owe it, pay it. We want it. We cannot be more direct or more clear."

In November, Nutter put out his first list of tax deadbeats, pledging to use the Law Department and the sheriff to more aggressively pursue back taxes. Nutter said the city would use the sheriff to seize assets from delinquents and sell them to recoup tax money.

Since Nutter put out the first list, the city has collected $1.4 million from those publicly called out, as well as others fearful of being put on the list. The city also has another $1.4 million expected in pledged payments.

"Bring your butt in, make a payment agreement and then you won't find yourself in this situation," Nutter said.

On top of the new list is Wai Sze, an officer with New China Inc., who owes almost $4 million. A phone number for New China or Sze could not be located.

Still on the deadbeat list are restaurateur Neil Stein - who owes $1.26 million - and Milton Street, brother of the former mayor, who owes $383,000.

Stein served 10 months in prison for failing to pay federal taxes. And Milton Street is serving 30 months in federal prison for tax evasion.

This week, Nutter personally made good on his promise to seize assets from deadbeat business owners, appearing outside an office building at Broad and Chestnut streets to call out three attorneys who owe back taxes.

Unless the trio - who owe a collective $350,000 - pay up by April 2, the city will sell their stuff to get the money, Nutter said.

One of the lawyers came outside to chastise Nutter for the public humiliation. But Nutter was not fazed.

"You owe the city money, pay your taxes," he said. *