Sugar, Sugar

When I think of sugar, I think of the sweetener you put into a cup of coffee. Or perhaps this song:

But this is a tax blog, so we’re going to deal with something different…something very different. The Sugar House Lounge describes itself as “Denver’s most unique premium lounge and night club.” I’ll say that’s true.

It appears that the Sugar House Lounge was once a brothel, “where customers paid $300 for sex.” The former owner of the business, Scottie Ewing, sold the business back in 2005. Mr. Ewing received $150,000 plus a share of future revenues. Mr. Ewing then instructed the new owner for some time on how to run the business. That all seems normal (except for the prostitution).

I’m guessing, though, that Mr. Ewing left out to the new owners instructions on the necessity of filing tax returns. I say that because he didn’t. He did instruct the new owners on it being a good idea to use a “front company” to own the business.

In any case, last week Mr. Ewing pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion in what appears to be a plea deal. (Both news stories emphasize the prostitution over the tax evasion.) He’ll be sentenced in late December.

News Stories: Here and Here

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