{"id":14468,"date":"2025-03-11T22:54:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T22:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/?p=14468"},"modified":"2025-03-11T22:54:08","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T22:54:08","slug":"california-ota-opinion-personal-liability-for-corporate-tax-obligations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/california-ota-opinion-personal-liability-for-corporate-tax-obligations\/","title":{"rendered":"California OTA Opinion: Personal Liability for Corporate Tax Obligations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/California-opinion-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14471 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/California-opinion-980x551.png 980w, https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/California-opinion-480x270.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/California-opinion-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14471 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/California-opinion-980x551.png 980w, https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/California-opinion-480x270.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1024px, 100vw\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><em>The California OTA held Reynaldo T. Monzon liable for over $20,000 in unpaid sales tax, despite his claim of not being an officer, highlighting personal liability for corporate tax obligations.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The California Office of Tax Appeals (OTA) issued an opinion on March 3, 2025, holding Reynaldo T. Monzon (appellant) personally liable for the unpaid sales tax liabilities of Prestige SNJ Xpress Auto Body of Lake Forest Inc. Monzon, who acted as the de facto CFO, was found responsible for over $20,000 in sales tax, interest, and penalties for the period of 2017-2018, despite the company closing in 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Monzon&#8217;s argued that he was not an officer of the business because the corporation took no action to provide him with related authority.&nbsp; Thus, appellant argued that he was not actually the CFO.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This argument failed the burden of proof test undertaken by the OTA. Consequently, the court ruled against Monzon, citing his actions and responsibilities that indicated otherwise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Numerous factors led to this appellate opinion, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prestige Lake Forest operated an auto body repair business in Lake Forest, California, and closed in February 2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monzon filed the seller\u2019s permit application and was listed as the corporation\u2019s treasurer and contact person for books and records and business activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monzon signed documents as CFO and filed sales and use tax returns for the liability period.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monzon made electronic payments for the business\u2019s tax liabilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monzon communicated with the CDTFA regarding the business\u2019s sales tax compliance and payment plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Monzon completed a Business Operations Questionnaire, identifying himself as \u201cAccounting\/CFO.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>CDTFA determined Monzon was personally responsible under R&amp;TC section 6829 for the unpaid sales tax liabilities.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">R&amp;TC section 6829 outlines the conditions under which a person can be held personally liable for a corporation&#8217;s unpaid taxes. The OTA found that Monzon met these conditions, as he was involved in the filing of returns, making payments, and communicating with tax authorities. Despite Monzon&#8217;s claim that he lacked authority and was merely an associate, the evidence showed he acted as the de facto CFO, making him responsible for the unpaid taxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The court&#8217;s ruling emphasizes that individuals who hold themselves out as officers and engage in executive functions can be held personally liable for corporate tax obligations. Monzon&#8217;s case serves as a reminder of the potential legal and financial consequences of assuming such roles without ensuring compliance with tax obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Takeaway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Individuals who assume executive roles and responsibilities within a corporation, even without formal titles or check-signing authority, can be held personally liable for the company&#8217;s tax liabilities. It is crucial to understand the implications of one&#8217;s actions and ensure compliance with tax obligations to avoid personal liability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-fe48e5de wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/contact\/\">Talk to a Business Tax Advocate<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read more<\/h2>\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__list wp-block-latest-posts\"><li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/auditor-independence-in-the-age-of-private-equity\/\">Auditor Independence in the Age of Private Equity: What CFOs Need to Know<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/r-d-credits-for-software-companies\/\">R&amp;D Credits for Software Companies: Scrum Teams, Qualifiers, and Section 174 After OBBBA<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/section-174-decoupling-what-tax-pros-need-to-know-state-by-state\/\">Section 174 Decoupling: What Tax Pros Need To Know State By State<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/sean-espy-new-partner\/\">TaxOps Welcomes Sean Espy as Partner, Tax Minimization<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a class=\"wp-block-latest-posts__post-title\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/state-nexus-demystified-navigating-tax-compliance-after-wayfair-episode-1-2\/\">Your Tax Footprint Is Probably Bigger Than You Think: What Finance Leaders Need to Know About State Nexus<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The California OTA held Reynaldo T. Monzon liable for over $20,000 in unpaid sales tax, despite his claim of not being an officer, highlighting personal liability for corporate tax obligations. The California Office of Tax Appeals (OTA) issued an opinion on March 3, 2025, holding Reynaldo T. Monzon (appellant) personally liable for the unpaid sales [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":14471,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"41px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:41px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:image {\"id\":14221,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\",\"linkDestination\":\"none\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img src=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/2025-Colorado-State-and-Local-Tax-Legislation-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-14221\"\/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image -->\n\n<!-- wp:quote -->\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Judy Vorndran, lead partner of state and local tax at TaxOps, testified before the Colorado Senate Finance Committee on January 28, 2025. She addressed SB25-018 and SB25-046, proposed legislation that would create a searchable database and enhance audit confidentiality. Below is a summary of her remarks<\/em>.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>Following testimony and discussion, the Finance Committee unanimously passed both bills. SB25-018 now moves to the Committee on Appropriations while SB25-046, as amended, has been referred to the full Senate and placed on the Senate consent calendar.<\/em> <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph {\"align\":\"center\"} -->\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em>\"It was an amazing experience to look in all of their faces and explain why these laws make Colorado more competitive and are good for both government and taxpayers<\/em>,\"<em>  ~ Judy Vorndran <\/em><\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/blockquote>\n<!-- \/wp:quote -->\n\n<!-- wp:group {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"constrained\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"34px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:34px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"textAlign\":\"center\"} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Testimony on SB25-018, Online Search of Sales and Use Tax, and SB25-046, Local Government Tax Audit Confidentiality Standards<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"42px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:42px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:group -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Good afternoon, members of the <a href=\"https:\/\/leg.colorado.gov\/committees\/finance\/2024-regular-session\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Senate Finance Committee\">Senate Finance Committee<\/a>. My name is <a href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/judith-vorndran\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" title=\"Judy Vorndran\">Judy Vorndran<\/a>. I am a partner in the tax specialty firm TaxOps and a member of the &nbsp;Sales and Use Tax Simplification Task Force.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I am here to testify in support of two bills, SB25-018 and SB25-046. A summary of my statement follows.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"43px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:43px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SB25-018, Online Search of Sales and Use Tax<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SB25-018 aims to create a searchable database for sales and use tax licenses and exemption certificates. This bill is crucial for improving transparency and compliance in our tax system.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Points<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list -->\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Importance of a Searchable Database:<\/strong><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>SB25-018 proposes the creation of a database at the state and department of revenue level, allowing taxpayers to look up licenses and entities.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Benefits for Taxpayers:<\/strong><ol><li>Having access to a searchable database would be a significant advantage for taxpayers. It would help them ensure that vendors are properly licensed and collecting the correct tax amounts.<\/li><\/ol><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>This measure would also align Colorado with other states, such as Texas, which already have similar databases in place. These databases have proven to be extremely helpful for taxpayers in those states.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li><strong>Improved Compliance:<\/strong><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>The searchable database would facilitate better compliance with tax laws. Taxpayers would be able to verify the status of vendors and themselves, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring accurate tax collection.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SB25-018 is a vital step towards enhancing transparency and compliance in Colorado's tax system. I urge the Committee to support this bill and help create a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly environment.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"46px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:46px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">SB25-046, Local Government Tax Audit Confidentiality Standards<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SB25-046 addresses the confidentiality standards for local government sales or use tax audits. This bill would both protect taxpayer information and ensure fairer audit practices.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key Points<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Confidentiality Concerns:<ol><li>SB25-046 aims to establish uniform confidentiality standards for local government tax audits. This is important because third-party auditors often conduct these audits, and there are concerns about how taxpayer information is handled and shared.<\/li><\/ol><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Currently, third-party auditors are not always licensed professionals, and there is no regulation ensuring their confidentiality practices. This raises significant concerns about the protection of sensitive taxpayer information.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Issues with Third-Party Auditors:<ol><li>Many home-rule cities do not have captive auditors and rely on third-party auditors who may conduct audits on behalf of multiple jurisdictions. This can lead to inefficiencies and increased taxpayer burdens.<\/li><\/ol><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>There are instances where third-party auditors may target large taxpayers, leading to multiple audits across different cities. This practice is also burdensome and raises concerns about the confidentiality of taxpayer information.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>Need for Regulation:<ol><li>There is a need for stricter regulation and oversight of third-party auditors to ensure they adhere to uniform confidentiality standards. This includes establishing ethical and fiduciary duties similar to those required of licensed professionals.<\/li><\/ol><!-- wp:list {\"ordered\":true} -->\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<li>The bill also highlights the importance of transparency in the contracts between cities and third-party auditors. These contracts should be subject to public scrutiny to ensure accountability.<\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list --><\/li>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><\/ol>\n<!-- \/wp:list -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>SB25-046 is essential for protecting taxpayer information and ensuring fair audit practices. I urge the Finance Committee to support this bill and help create a more transparent and accountable audit process. <\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>I would be happy to answer related questions you may have, and I thank you for the opportunity to weigh in on these important pieces of legislation.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"57px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:57px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:buttons {\"layout\":{\"type\":\"flex\",\"justifyContent\":\"center\"}} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/taxops.com\/contact\/\">Talk to a Business Tax Advocate<\/a><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:button --><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons -->\n\n<!-- wp:spacer {\"height\":\"53px\"} -->\n<div style=\"height:53px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:spacer -->\n\n<!-- wp:separator -->\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n<!-- \/wp:separator -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Read more<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:latest-posts \/-->","_et_gb_content_width":"","spt_transcript":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[229,226],"tags":[252,1145,284,12,1144,1158,126,26,265,1135,492,1134,18,19,316,1136,30,810,101,799,605,262,79,267,620,80,712,1138,1137,74],"class_list":["post-14468","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-state-and-local","category-tax-news","tag-accountant","tag-advocate","tag-cfo","tag-colorado","tag-colorado-society-of-cpa","tag-continuous-education","tag-cpa","tag-cpe","tag-finance-professional","tag-iaas","tag-leadership","tag-saas","tag-sales-and-use-tax","tag-sales-tax","tag-salt","tag-software-providers","tag-state-and-local-tax","tag-state-income-tax","tag-state-tax","tag-tax-advisor","tag-tax-automation","tag-tax-planning","tag-tax-preparer","tag-tax-professional","tag-tax-professionals","tag-tax-provider","tag-tax-school","tag-tax-tools","tag-tax-vendors","tag-taxops"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/California-opinion.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14468","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14468"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14468\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14472,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14468\/revisions\/14472"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14468"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14468"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/taxops.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14468"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}