At first glance it looks no different than any other bustling tire business. The flavored syrups sit next to the coffee maker in the lobby of Carey Tire on S. Third St. in Ironton and a company truck emblazoned with logos is parked outside.

There are no customers, however, and there hasn’t been any in more than a month.

A crude, handwritten sign made from a torn file folder and duct tape on Jan. 14, 2014, sends a cryptic message.

“We apologize for any inconvenience, but at this time we are not sure of the long-term plan for Carey Tire,” is scribbled in the weathered note. “We are praying and hoping to know when/if we will reopen soon (sic). Thank you for all your prayers and understanding, God Bless, Mike Carey.”

Above Carey’s sign is a larger pink sign placed by the Ohio Department of Taxation vaguely providing a reason why the business has ceased operating.

“Public notice by order of the tax commissioner,” the sign reads. “Vendor’s license 44-023243 is under suspension and Carey Tire is prohibited from making retail sales at 3119 S. Third St., Ironton, Ohio 45638 on or after Dec. 19, 2013.”

Multiple calls to Carey were not returned.

“Businesses that receive this type of posting have a history that qualifies them for the Habitual Offender Program (HOP),” Gary Gudmundson, communications director for the Ohio Department of Taxation, said. “Postings such as this means there have been sufficient instances of not filing, not paying or just general noncompliance in regard to sales tax.”

Gudmundson said there is a threshold that must be reach before actions such as this are taken and the business will remain closed until outstanding obligations are satisfied. The total amount owed by Carey was not available.