A noisy innovation

The title of this post has to do with mice. Not those of Cheo Feliciano’s song, who stay at home because if they leave, the cat is going to catch them. These are mice that have tax debts and are chased by a peculiar form of tax collection implemented by a tax administration.

I read in the Hemispheres magazine, offered by United Airlines to its passengers in planes seats and read by some of them during that time between the door closing and the takeoff, when electronics devices must be off. And in this case, I could not resist sharing it with you.

The tax administration of the city of Bangalore, India, have started using a percussion drums group to raise hell outside the home or business of delinquent taxpayers until they give up and pay. They are accompanied by signs that include the name of the evader and the amount owed. An administration official commented that “this is faster and cheaper than a lengthy litigation.” Often, according to the article, the debtor repays quickly, at least some of the debt amount.

I have heard about enforced collection techniques using the fear of social stigma as persuasive resources for payment, not necessarily in the tax area. Some curious methods have included the use of collection agents in flashy costumes such as penguins or demons, or contact family members and friends asking for the debtor. I do not know if this method is more efficient than registering the taxpayer at a financial risk central that limits the credit, but it sure makes more noise.

It seems that someone out there is paraphrasing the lyrics of the song popularized 30 years ago by the Venezuelan group Daiquiri ” Chamo Candela rumbero bueno de verdad, dale a los cueros, y ponte a cobrar.. ”  (Go on, good rumba dancer, give your best and start cashing the bucks)”. How about that?

Greetings and good luck

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