The State of Utah’s computerized program to collect from defaulting deb tors through withholding income tax refund checks has logged considerable success in its four-plus years of operation. Indeed it miglht offer some ideas for of er states involved with the perennial problem of de inquent bills. Called ‘Gotcha’ for lack of a more formal name, the program was instituted about five years ago by the State Auditor’s Office. with other state agencies cooperating. Some other states are known to have inaugurated similar programs and a number have inquired about Utah’s procedure. Collections generated by ‘Gotcha’ totaled about $125.000 the first year, doubled the second. and exceeded $1 million in each of the past two years. They’ve passed the quarter – million – dollar mark thus far this year. In brief. the program works like this: From a file of about 50,000 names – persons who owe the state in one program or another computers match names and social security numbers with those who have refund checks coming. The checks are intercepted and held pending contacts by the appropriate state agency to obtain a voluntary release by the debtor or a court judgment (if applicable) authorizing the state to apply the check to the debt. The court process might include a hearing or forefeiture by the debtor if he chooses to default, Small claims court action is another option. in any case. says a State Auditor’s spokesman, the individual rights of the debtor are protected. This is important and it should go without saying that the program should be administered fairly and evenhandedly. Indicating the program’s “spinoff” effects. the spokesman says many delinquent debtors have come forward to pay after learning of the ‘Gotcha’ system. what types of debts are involved? Delinquent bills owed the University of Utah Hospital, undeserved welfare and unemployment benefits, court-ordered child support payments that are in default. damages to road signs and other state property these are examples. An added arm of the program which took effect early in 1981. collection of defaulted student loans, reaped nearly $30,000 last year. “Simple but effective” was the way the spokesman described the collection plan. And, by utilizing equipment already in place, the annual cost is less than $25.000. Like any successful business, govemment must look to its collections. ‘Gotcha’ (by whatever name) warrants a close look as a way for states to go in dealing with the gaoblem of delinquent 1 s.