New York father and son accused of sales tax theft

A father and son have been indicted for failing to pay over $1 million in sales taxes between 2011 and 2014 for the three Nassau County BP gas stations they own. They both could serve years in prison.

This isn’t the first tax fraud charge faced by the father. In 2012, he pleaded guilty in Queens County to felony charges of failing to pay more than $500,000 in sales taxes for four gas stations he owned. He was ordered to pay $1 million in restitution, penalties and interest, but ended up paying just half that amount.

When the New York Department of Taxation and Finance was investigating the man’s failure to pay the remaining $500,000 he owed, it uncovered continued alleged tax theft, which brought about the most recent indictment.

The father could face up to 25 years in prison if he is convicted. His son could face a prison term of up to 15 years.

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman explained why prosecutors take such charges so seriously. He said, “Failing to pay legally owed taxes puts the burden on hardworking New Yorkers who play by the rules, while also straining our state’s resources.” He added, “We will not allow companies and businesses to evade our tax laws in order to boost their bottom line.”

When someone is facing charges of tax fraud or tax evasion, whether it involves their personal taxes or their business, it’s essential to see experienced legal guidance. A New York tax law attorney can work to protect your rights and help mitigate the impact of the charges on your life, reputation and finances.

Source: Long Island Herald, “Father and son duo indicted in $1 million tax fraud,” Nick Ciccone, Sep. 28, 2016