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how to turn myself in and settle up

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C

chayne

Guest
i own a used bookstore. i have gone bankrupt and become homeless as a result of the store never making a profit in the 4 years i've had it. i am partially disabled which is why i have kept it as some income is better than none and i can live in my office. problem: i haven't paid sales taxes in 3 years nor have i filed income tax although i have no profits to report. it is now clear to me that the store will never become profitable (therefore no hope of "catching up") and i can't get a regular job to pay the taxes i owe. all i can do is offer the government the stock and fixtures from the store as payment (they are clear of debt) how should i go about doing this? should i just present myself at the board of equalization (california) and tell them the truth and offer what assets i have? will i have to go to jail? i would estimate the sales tax i owe to be about $3,000.
 


A

Alice A

Guest
I'd go to the legal aid society or the low fee panel of the bar association in your county and ask for help. Failure to pay sales tax can be a crime so you want some real personal advice, from a lawyer who deals with the particular tax department and tax office, on how to handle it, before it becomes a big deal.

The lawyer may tell you to do just what you suggested, but then again, he may tell you these bureaucrats have absolutely no compassion, they are looking for a headline around tax time, and so if you walk in and be a sitting duck. Get some real local help.
 

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