Description:

Mobsters -

"The Godfather" Vito Genovese tax archive claiming: "Complete ignorance of the law requiring returns".

Five piece archive relating to Vito Genovese circa 1930 tax return:

1. Typed letter on Julius E. Rosengard & Co/Accountants stationery. Entitled "Vito Genovese / 1929", 8.5' x 9.75" with bottom portion neatly sliced off. Three marks, resembling burn marks located to the top margin, not affecting text. Single fold, otherwise near fine.

2. Hand written expense sheet on "The Waldorf-Astoria" letterhead, on ruled paper with the date of '1935' to the top, 9" x 11.75" with chipped edges and one large 2" intact tear to the right edge, not affecting manuscript.

3. Hand written expense sheet on lined paper with the name of "Vito Genovese" and the date of "1933" to the top, 9.5" x 13.75", center fold, light chipping and a small 1" intact tear to the right edge, not affecting manuscript. Handling marks and slight creasing.

4. A bi-fold 1930 New York State Income Tax Resident Return on blue paper, partially filled in to first front page, 8.5" x 10.75" with light chipping and staining

5. An "Offer In Compromise" form for the tax year 1930, but dated "March 7, 1933", on behalf of "Vito Genovese c/o Julius E. Rosengard & Co. 53 State St., Boston, Mass", 10.5" x 8", near fine with 3 staple holes to the top edge.

Just an incredible classic mob archive that you can almost hear playing as the script of a movie. This archive of tax documents from Vito Genovese's accountants includes comments that one can literally hear coming from men dressed in expensive suits and smoking cigars in a dark room. The typed letter drafted by his accountants in Boston appears to be composed on his behalf for both the IRS and New York State income tax agencies and apparently offers both excuses and condolences. We only wish Robert De Niro could deliver the lines:

"The taxpayer because of the nature of his business never did and does not at this time keep any bookkeeping records of memoranda to record his business transactions It has been impossible for him at any time to determine his true income..."

"...he was ignorant of the fact that it was necessary for him to file an income tax return... he was apprised (by Rosengard, his accountant) of the fact he was duty bound to file a Federal Income Tax Return".

"although he kept no books or records wherein his business transactions were recorded, it was imperative that as accurate a return as possible could be prepared.... In view of the fact that no records... nor bank depositories were available, insomuch as the Taxpayer kept no bank accounts because the custom of his business required the payment of all monies in cash, it was imperative for Mr. Rosengard to determine the taxpayer's income by ascertaining the approximate living expenses of the taxpayer".

"In other words, an estimate of the amount spent by the tax payer for rent, traveling expenses, food, clothing, taxi fare, tips ... entertainment.. was made, thereby arriving at the gross income as reported on the face of the tax return".

And the "piece de resistance "... the accountant writes that Genovese offers his act of good faith in the following comment:

"Inasmuch as the figures are estimates (calculated as accurately as could be humanly possible under the conditions) the taxpayer as a further margin of safety is not claiming allowable deductions and is computing his Earned Income Credit on the basis of $5,000".

Rosengard then proceeds to handwrite out Vito's expenses on a sheet from 'The Waldorf Astoria Cashier's Daily Record of Checks' letterhead, itemizing them from "Vito Genevese Trading Co, Inc/ 184 Thompson St/ N.Y. City/Various Sources". This expense sheet example is dated 1935, with this archive including yet another example from 1933 so it is apparent Rosengard had to submit these every year with Vito's return. This example includes a detailed list of $40,000 personal expenses broken up to create the supporting documentation for his letter to the IRS (note how he properly lists the cost of clothing for his wife and children as more than what he spends on himself...):

"Rent $4,000

Lights $634.67

Tel and Tel $319.49

State Tax $1324.14

Doctor $150

Investment in Home $4111.45

Sundrie Charges $848.75

Food $2600

Clothes Wife $500

" " Children $300

" " Self $250

Entertainment $750

Cabs Tips Expense $1200

Help at Home $1500

Res for extra $1511. 50

40,000.00".

Included in this exceptional archive is a second hand written draft of Genovese's expenses for a lesser amount of $33,800 for the year 1933, his partially filled out 1930 New York State Tax return, and a typed letter as "Offer In Compromise" for "Failure to file Income Tax Return when due, and failure to pay tax for the year 1930". With the alleged violation being due to the cause of "Complete ignorance of the law requiring returns".

An outstanding set for the collector of mob memorabilia, perfect to pour over while sipping a brandy and conjuring up images of impeccably dressed men, mulling about a smoky, mahogany paneled room!

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