Georgia's Department of Revenue has beefed-up its staff of agents to go after businesses that owe back taxes.

Officials say they've added more than 30 tax agents in the last few months.

The department’s top official, Bart Graham, says the extra personnel will cost over $2 million but will pay for itself within a few months.

Numbers from the state show thousands of businesses owe Georgia nearly $1 billion in taxes.

Tags: Georgia, business, economy, Department of Revenue, back taxes, tax agents