San Ramon Man Leads List of California's Delinquent Taxpayers

The state's Franchise Tax Board has released its latest list of the 500 individuals who owe the most money to California's coffers.

The board estimates these 500 delinquent taxpayers owe the state a total of $195 million.

At the top of the list is Halsey Minor, the founder of CNET who lists his residence as San Ramon.

FTB officials say Minor, 48, owes $10.7 million in unpaid taxes. the board estimated he owed $14.2 million. A lien was placed on his property in July 2009.

Minor could not be located for comment. An article on venturebeat.com in June 2010 details some of Minor's financial problems.

Also on the list from the East Bay is Kelvin W. Liu of Fremont. The tax board estimates he still owes $676,000. A lien was placed on his property last March. Liu also could not be reached for comment.

Also on the list is Kevin Phu of San Leandro. He is listed as owing $289,000 in back taxes. A lien was placed on his property last March. Phu could not be located for comment.

James Crouse of Alamo is also on the top 500 list. The board says he also owes $289,000 in taxes. A lien was placed on his property in March 2009. Crouse could not be located for comment.

Venkateswar Gundapaneni of San Ramon is listed as owing $228,000. A lien was placed on his property last April. Gundapaneni likewise couldn't be reached for comment.

The Franchise Tax Board began publicizing its list of tax delinquents in October 2007. Since then, it has collected $177 million from these clients.

Taxpayers are removed from the list once the back taxes are paid or the taxpayer agrees to a plan to erase the debt.

Tax liabilities under appeal, in litigation, or in bankruptcy proceedings are not included on the list.