A perfect place. That’s what comes to my mind when I hear the word “utopia.”
Vincent and Mary Giamo had a different idea; Utopia was their nightclub in Orchard Park, New York (near Buffalo). It was quite successful as they followed a formula that is illegal but helps with taxes: They kept two sets of books. One set was accurate, and showed they would owe $1.2 million in taxes to the IRS. The other set shockingly showed they didn’t owe that money. This scheme works quite well…until you’re caught.
And the Giamos were caught, tried, and convicted of tax evasion charges. Vincent received 12 months at ClubFed; his wife, Mary, received probation. They must also make restitution of another $671,840 to the IRS (they’ve already paid $550,000). They are also facing civil charges.
As usual, it’s a whole lot easier to just pay your taxes in the first place…but that though rarely occurs to the Bozo mind.