According to a Department of Justice press release, an Ohio man recently pleaded guilty to various crimes, including money laundering and tax evasion after admitting to operating an illegal gambling operation. Whether or not taxpayers are also suspected of committing other federal crimes, the penalties for violating federal tax laws can be severe. If you have failed to file a tax return for one or more years or have taken a position on a tax return that could not be supported upon an IRS audit, you should contact an experienced tax defense attorney to determine your best next steps.
Defendant Ran an Illegal Gambling Business and Failed to Report Income
Court records reveal that Steven Saris, pleaded guilty to tax evasion, operating illegal gambling businesses, and money laundering. From 2009 to 2022, Saris owned multiple illegal gambling businesses in Northeast Ohio and other locations, concealing his involvement by using nominee owners. He failed to report over $8.5 million in income and caused a tax loss of over $2.8 million to the IRS. Saris also made false statements to law enforcement and continued illegal operations.
Saris, who will be sentenced later this year, faces up to 20 years in prison for money laundering count and five years for tax evasion and operating an illegal gambling business. He may also be sentenced to serve a period of supervised release upon the completion of his physical incarceration. Lastly, he may be ordered to pay restitution to the IRS representing the amount of tax loss that he caused.
Importance of Seeking Legal Assistance When You Are in Trouble
This case highlights the severe legal consequences of filing tax returns that contain knowingly false information. While perhaps not common knowledge, a taxpayer must report income from any source, including income earned in an illegal business. It is not uncommon for federal or state investigators who are looking into a non-tax crime to refer the case to the IRS Criminal Investigations group to determine if any tax laws were also violated.
If you have filed a tax return that underreported income, overreported deductions, or contained another misrepresentation, it is in your best interest to engage an experienced tax defense attorney. Together, you will establish the pertinent facts of your case, outline the material exposures, and develop a road map to bring you into compliance.
We Are Here for You
Regardless of your 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.
In addition to our fully staffed main office in downtown Irvine California, the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing has unstaffed (conference room only) California based satellite offices in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Panorama City, Oxnard, San Diego, Bakersfield, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Carlsbad, Sacramento. We also have unstaffed (conference room only) satellite offices in Las Vegas Nevada, Salt Lake City Utah, Phoenix Arizona & Albuquerque New Mexico, Austin Texas, Washington DC, Miami Florida and New York New York that solely handle Federal & California Tax issues.
Our office technology allows clients to meet virtually via GoToMeeting. With end-to-end encryption, strong passwords, and top-rated reliability, no one is messing with your meeting. To schedule a reduced rate initial consultation via GoToMeeting follow this link. Call our office and request a GoToMeeting if you are an existing client. We also now offer a convenient scheduling option, where you can secure David W. Klasing, Esq M.S.-Tax CPA’s undivided attention for a 4-hour consultation at any of his satellite offices.
