Los Angeles County Auto Dealership Owner Sentenced for Sales Tax Evasion

As part of its ongoing commitment to serve taxpayers and protect state and local revenues, the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) announced today Sam Sebuh Matioz Goncuoglu of Porter Ranch, California pled “no contest” to three felony counts of sales tax evasion.

The CDTFA's investigation began in 2013 when it was discovered that Goncuoglu failed to report a large amount of sales from his retail auto dealership.

Goncuoglu, the owner of F.A.S.T., LLC DBA Daytona Cars, which operated at multiple locations in Los Angeles and South Gate, failed to report $8.5 million in taxable sales, resulting in $758,495 in unreported sales tax from 2007 through 2012.

Goncuoglu was sentenced in Los Angeles County Superior Court to five years of formal probation and ordered to pay $758,495 in restitution to the CDTFA. The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney James Belna of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, Major Fraud Division.

Funds in the amount of $300,000 have already been received and the remaining balance is to be paid in installments.

CDTFA's mission is to make life better for Californians by fairly and efficiently collecting the revenue that supports our essential public services. To report suspected sales, fuel or cigarette and tobacco products tax evasion, contact the CDTFA Investigations Division at 1-916-324-0105 or the Tax Evasion Hotline at 1-888-334-3300.

Note: This news release may discuss complex tax laws and concepts. It may not address every situation, and is not considered written advice that may be relied on, pursuant to California Code of Regulations, title 18, sections 1705 and 4902. Changes in tax law or regulations may have occurred since the time this news release was written. If there is a conflict between the text of this news release and the law, decisions will be based upon the law and not this news release. For specific help, please contact the CDTFA at 1-800-400-7115.