State tax slackers list is out

The California Board of Equalization has released an updated list of the 500 most egregious offenders in terms of failing to remit customer-collected sales and use taxes. Among them are 11 listings for San Diego–area businesses accused of failing to turn over in excess of $1 million.

A look at the numbers suggests the total number of offenders may be significantly smaller than suggested. One individual (Iran Hoodneh $2.38 million) and two similarly named organizations (Flamingo Motors, $2.45 million and Flamingo Car Group, $2.39 million) all share the same Miramar Road mailing address.

The largest single offender listed from San Diego on the list, Yousef Hoodneh ($4.84 million), is also associated with the Flamingo group. The latter Hoodneh was eventually sentenced to probation for his role in a tax fraud, though it appears money to repay the fraud has yet to materialize.

The list includes a handful of long-standing nonpayments, including 21st Century Oil of Solana Beach ($3.23 million owed since 2003) and Ecocrete of Chula Vista ($1.6 million, also owed since 2003).

In all, the state says the 500 biggest offenders owe in excess of $460 million. Since the shaming list began distribution in 2007 as a top-250, approximately $14.35 million has been recovered from dishonorees.

The Board of Equalization provides an interactive map of all 500 businesses and individuals listed on its website, accessible here.