Former Pennsylvania Business Owner Sentenced to Two Years In Prison for Tax Evasion
According to a Department of Justice press release, a former Pennsylvania business owner was recently sentenced to serve two years in federal prison after pleading guilty to tax evasion. Taxpayers who have failed to either file their tax returns, properly report their income and deductions or pay the taxes that they owe are at risk of falling into a similar outcome unless corrective action is taken to rectify the tax noncompliance. Those taxpayers should strongly consider working with an experienced tax defense attorney to get right with the government.
Court documents reveal that Mark Stanford owned and operated cleaning business in Sewickley, Pennsylvania. Between 2009 and 2013, Stanford evaded his own individual income taxes, as well as the employment taxes associated with his business. During the same period, Stanford made several extravagant purchases, such as Mercedes-Benz and Bentley luxury vehicles.
Stanford was sentenced to serve 24 months in federal prison and fined $4,000. Additionally, and upon his physical incarceration, Stanford will be required to serve a three-year term of supervised release. Finally, Stanford was ordered to pay back taxes to the IRS in the amount of $330,000.
Although the government must prove an intent to evade taxes, it can be an easy trap to fall into. Taxpayers who fall behind with filing their returns or simply do not make payments on their existing tax bill run the risk of falling into a situation that may result in tax evasion. If you have received multiple letters from the IRS regarding your past-due tax bill, have had your bank account levied, or had a wage garnishment, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney to help you get current with the IRS.
Working side-by-side with your experienced Tax Lawyer and our team of CPAs, you will layout the specific facts and circumstances of your case. Then, with a full understanding of all your options, including tax-motivated bankruptcy, you will decide on a strategy and path to move forward with. Your Tax Attorney will be with you every step of the way and will represent you with any interaction with the IRS. It is never too late to attempt to rectify tax noncompliance.
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Regardless of your particular business or estate needs, the professionals at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing are here for you. We are open for business and our team will help ensure that your business is too. Contact the Law Offices of David W. Klasing today to discuss your business with one of our professionals.
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