California: Pay Sales Tax or Go to Jail

Dec 19, 2014 | Gail Cole

If you live in California and fail to pay the sales tax you owe, you could be placed in prison. That’s where brothers Dagoberto Dueñas and Mario Ernesto Gonzalez will be spending the next three years.

That sales tax can really add up. Between 2007 and 2009, the used car dealerships owned and operated by the brothers failed to report approximately $12.3 million in taxable sales. That translates to roughly $1,043,939 in unreported sales tax.

You collect it. You should remit it. Simple.

Simplify transaction tax management with automated sales tax software as a service. It can’t make a dishonest man honest, but it can help keep the honest compliant. Learn more.

photo credit: Autr Films via photopin cc

Sales tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.

Avalara Author

Gail Cole

Avalara Author Gail Cole

Gail began researching and writing about sales tax in 2012 and has been fascinated with it ever since. She has a penchant for uncovering unusual tax facts, and endeavors to make complex sales tax laws more digestible for both experts and laypeople.