The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced that the owner of two used car dealerships in Syracuse has been arrested for allegedly failing to pay New York State $206,573 in sales tax.

Samy S. Guindy, 53, of 2746 W. Foxhill Lane, Camillus, operates Auto Hunter, Inc., 2524 Lodi Street, and previously operated the now-shuttered Auto Solution of CNY, Inc., 1120 W. Genesee Street. He was arrested by investigators with the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division and arraigned before Syracuse City Court Judge Ted Limpert.

Guindy faces separate felony counts for each company. In both cases, the defendant pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance. His next court date has not been scheduled.

Auto Solution of CNY
Guindy was charged with one count of 2nd degree grand larceny, 11 counts of 3rd degree criminal tax fraud, and 11 counts of 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing, all felonies. Guindy allegedly underreported sales made at Auto Solution of CNY, Inc., from December 2010 through August 2015, failing to remit to the state at least $68,856 in sales tax.

Auto Hunter, Inc.
The defendant was charged with one count of 2nd degree grand larceny, 19 counts of 3rd degree criminal tax fraud, and 19 counts of 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing, all felonies. Guindy allegedly underreported sales made at Auto Hunter, Inc., from December 2010 through May 2017, failing to remit at least $137,717 in sales tax.

If convicted, Guindy could face a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

“Sales tax fraud deprives the state and the communities where these businesses operate of revenue needed for vital services, and forces honest taxpayers to shoulder the burden,” said Acting Tax Commissioner Nonie Manion. “We thank the Onondaga County DA for prosecuting this case.”

A criminal complaint is only an accusation; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The case will be prosecuted by the Onondaga County District Attorney.

Sales Tax Resources
Registered sales tax vendors must file a sales tax return by its due date, even if they have no tax due for the filing period. Vendors can access the Sales Tax Web File webpage for resources to help prepare and file an accurate sales tax return on time to avoid penalties. Resources include filing instructions, guidance, videos, and demos.

Assistance for sales tax vendors is also available in six languages, including Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Italian, Korean, and Haitian Creole at Welcome new vendors.

Report Fraud
New Yorkers aware of sales tax evasion or fraud can anonymously report it online or by phone at 518-457-0578. The Tax Department promptly reviews each complaint and takes corrective action when appropriate.