From: San Diego
Dear TaxMama,
Here is a good one! Who do you contact if you know someone owes the State
of California taxes?
This person I know is well off. He has several businesses, a couple of houses
and a couple of condos. He drives a Hummer,
seems to have plenty of money.
There is just one thing - none of the houses or businesses are in his name. They
are all in other family members' names
or old girlfriend's names.
He says he is hiding until 10 years are up. That way, the state will wipe the
back taxes of their records and he will
be free of that debt.
Now is there anything I can do? Anyone I can write to or call to turn him
in so the state of CA can get the money
he owes to them?
It really makes me mad when people start businesses, get rich - but don't pay
taxes.
Thank you and have a nice day
D.
Dear D.
Yeah, doesn't it frost you that you're struggling and other people can live flamboyantly
well, while telling everyone how they're ripping off the system?
I don't know who to inform at the California Franchise Tax Board. But I dropped
a note to a friend there who happens to be their
media spokesman. So we should get an answer next week.
BUT, if he's ripping of the State, he probably owes even MORE money to IRS. And
IRS just happens to have a nice program
to catch tax cheats.
Here's the publication that outlines what you need to do.
It helps if you can provide specific information about any property he owns,
or license numbers of cars.
That's in your best interest because when IRS collects from him, you can get
a reward. To collect, they have to
be able to grab his assets.
According to Barry Gilbert, the spokesman for the California Franchise Tax
Board, you can report your information either
through correspondence or by telephone. He's not aware of a special form, like
IRS's 211. I found a contact
page for Gerald Goldberg, the Executive Officer of the Contact his office
and they'll help direct you to the right person.
Have fun with this - but beware, in all such things, there may be repercussions.
So, be prepared for them.
Best wishes,
Eva Rosenberg, MBA, EA
