NYS Tax Department Audit Director Wins National Leadership AwardNonie Manion honored for implementing business analytics, voluntary disclosure program
For Release: Immediate, Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Contact: Geoffrey Gloak, 518-457-7377

The Federation of Tax Administrators (FTA) today awarded a manager in the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance its 2012 Leadership Award.

The FTA presented the award to Nonie Manion on June 20.  She is the Director of the Audit Division and has worked for the Tax Department for nearly 25 years.

The FTA, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of state tax administration, said Ms. Manion earned the top honor for her high-profile work and success in using advanced technology and third-party data to greatly improve the agency's return on investment and overall efficiency.

Ms. Manion was instrumental in creating the department's Case Identification and Selection System (CISS).  CISS - described as a crucial asset - uses advanced business analytics and predictive modeling techniques to root out questionable tax returns and refund requests.  In addition, it improves the speed and efficiency with which the Department can process appropriate returns.  

Since 2003, the system has saved New York State taxpayers $2 billion. 

Ms. Manion, who works at the Department's Albany office and oversees 1,700 staff, also was honored for her work in developing the department's Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program.  Launched in late 2008, this program allows taxpayers to "clean their slate" of past tax filing lapses or mistakes while avoiding penalties.  The program brings in approximately $100 million in revenue each year.

Commissioner of Taxation and Finance Thomas H. Mattox said, "Nonie's leadership efforts have helped position the New York State Tax Department as a recognized national leader that other states' tax agencies and the IRS look to for best practices.  This is a well-deserved honor."

The FTA Leadership Award follows on the heels of a statewide award Ms. Manion received last month.  Ms. Manion was presented with a Public Service Excellence Award by the State Academy for Public Administration.  The nonprofit organization noted that Ms. Manion's "...achievements in helping New York State become a leader in tax administration are only matched by her willingness to promote best practices and share experiences with fellow tax administrators in other states and at the IRS."

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Updated: June 20, 2012