California Names Top 500 Tax-Dodging Businesses, Individuals

It's no secret that California has among the highest taxes in the nation. And now, it's no secret what businesses are avoiding paying some of those taxes.

Every three months, the state Board of Equalization publishes a list of the top tax-dodging businesses and individuals in the state. Its Top 500 Sales & Use Tax Delinquencies in California list is a roll call— or, more accurately a public shaming— of those who owe the most to the Golden State in the form of sales and use tax, according to the BOE.

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This quarter, BOE officials say 47 names have been added to the list who owe a combined $34,116,743.82. The total amount owed by all 500 is $449,144,095.32.

The highest amount owed on the list is by the owners of a Mobile Gas Station in Carson, who the BOE says need to pay $6.5 million.

The list serves as a way to help coerce some businesses to get their taxes paid, and it appears to be working to a certain extent.

"Since the list began with the top 250 delinquencies in 2007, $16.38 million has been collected from 217 taxpayers," the BOE said when releasing its updated list on Thursday. "A list of the top 500 tax delinquencies has been provided to participating state licensing agencies. Those on the list could have driver’s and other professional licenses suspended until they pay the amount owed or enter into a payment plan with the BOE."

According to the agency, each listed taxpayer is notified 30 days before their information is posted.

The Board of Equalization says that if your information has been posted in error, or you have questions about the list, please contact the agency at 916-445-5167.

Here are the top 10 largest delinquent taxpayers:

1. M & Y SAFAR BROTHERS, INC
   DBA LOMITA MOBIL
   22240 AVALON BLVD
   CARSON, CA
   $ 6,530,515.97
2. MODULAR STRUCTURES INTERNATIONAL
   920 CITRUS ST
   RIVERSIDE, CA
   $ 5,397,733.44
3. FARIBORZ TAVASSOL KASHANI
   2440 FIRESTONE BLVD
   SOUTH GATE, CA
   $ 5,365,908.79
4. FRONTLINE IMPORTS, INC.
   2400 FIRESTONE BLVD
   SOUTH GATE, CA
   $ 5,309,890.64
5. LYONS OF CALIFORNIA INC.
   3000 J ST
   SACRAMENTO, CA
   $ 4,603,427.97
6. RICHARD W. P. SANG
   3000 J ST
   SACRAMENTO, CA
   $ 4,069,041.12
7. RAMIREZ DEVELOPERS
   DBA PACIFIC CEMENT150 EXECUTIVE PARK BLVD STE 4300
   SAN FRANCISCO, CA
   $ 3,700,757.43
8. SPECIALTY AUTO SALES, INC.
   5015 VAN NUYS BLVD
   SHERMAN OAKS, CA
   $ 3,613,645.65
9. ANDRE MARIO LARTIGAU
   DBA VALUE AUTO SALES
   1921 N BROADWAY
   SANTA MARIA, CA
   $ 3,428,208.86
10. 21ST CENTURY OIL CORP.
    462 STEVENS AVE STE 105
    SOLANA BEACH, CA
    $ 3,310,718.81

Click Here to see the complete list of the Top 500 Delinquent Accounts.

(Image via Shutterstock)