Alaska tribes and Native nonprofits owe millions of dollars in unpaid payroll taxes and penalties, according to a report from the state Division of Community and Regional Affairs.

The Kuskokwim Native Association owes $2.7 million in payroll tax liens, the state said. That's nearly half of the $4.4 million owed in rural Alaska.

"We have no idea how we can ever pay this back," finance director Samantha Gunes told The Anchorage Daily News.

Others debtors include the Aleknagik Traditional Council ($118,730), the Chefornak Traditional Council ($128,935), the Chignik Lake Traditional Council ($108,374) and the Circle Village Council ($252,586).

Get the Story:
Payroll taxes threaten village organizations (The Anchorage Daily News 7/27)

State Report:
Lien Watch: A Report of Small Community Liens (March - April 2009)