Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms addresses an IRS tax lien against the city during a press conference Wednesday morning. The IRS claims the city owes almost $800,000 in penalties.
jvorhees@macon.com
The City of Warner Robins owes the federal government almost $800,000 in penalties from filing issues dating back to 2015, according to the IRS.
The city received penalties for the years 2015, 2016 and 2018 under section 6721, which generally penalizes institutions for failing to correct information when reporting returns, including late filings, incorrect formats or misinformation.
Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms addressed the IRS’ tax lien against the city, filed in Houston County Superior Court, in a press conference Wednesday morning.
“I was shocked and deeply disappointed to hear these claims. I am especially ashamed at the misunderstanding of the subject matter of these claims“ Toms said. “I will work tirelessly to resolve this issue and any other issue that stand in the way of success for the City of Warner Robins.”
Toms said the city is investigating the penalties and that he and city employees are prohibited from discussing the claims in-depth during the investigation. He noted the city does not owe back taxes to the IRS.
Toms is currently in a runoff election against challenger LaRhonda Patrick, who works as the city attorney for Fort Valley.
“There are obviously those who would love nothing more than to make this an issue which derails my continued service to this city, but don’t be confused. Let me be clear… the office of the mayor does not keep the books for the City of Warner Robins,” said Toms.
This story was originally published November 10, 2021 1:49 PM.