‘Soup Nazi’ Tells the IRS, “No Taxes for You!”

Robert Bertrand of NY, CFO of the Soupman, Inc, which holds the licenses to the name and recipes of the “Soup Nazi” made famous by the TV show “Seinfeld”, was indicted on 20 counts of failure to pay Medicare, Social Security, and federal income taxes.

Prosecutors allege that between 2010 and 2014, Bertrand paid his employees cash on the side and did not collect or pay the required withholding taxes.  In addition, Bertrand compensated certain employees large stock awards which were never reported to the IRS. The approximate total amount of unreported cash and stock compensation was $2,850,967, which translates to a loss to the US of $593,971.  Bertrand’s employees also face a loss of any future social security and Medicare payments.

It’s also alleged that Bertrand received a warning from an external auditor in 2012 that these payments should be reported to the IRS but chose to ignore it.  The indictment suggests that he cannot claim ignorance.

If convicted, Bertrand could face five years in prison plus monetary fines and restitution. A trial date is pending.