A 56-year-old tax return preparer of Indian origin residing in Georgia, USA, has been handed a two-year prison sentence following his admission of guilt in a tax evasion case.
Samir Patel, a resident of Statesboro, has been directed to make restitution to the United States amounting to approximately $550,000. Additionally, he is required to pay a fine of $95,000 and undergo three years of supervised release after serving his prison term.
Jill E Steinberg, the US Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia, emphasized the importance of citizens' lawful participation in the income tax system. She stated, "Much of our nation’s operating revenues are dependent on the lawful participation of citizens in the income tax system, and those who evade their responsibilities place a greater burden on everyone else. This sentence demonstrates the substantial consequences of attempting to cheat the system."
Patel, employed as a tax return preparer at a national business specializing in tax preparation, acquired a franchise in Claxton in 2015. Court documents and testimony revealed that, in his role as the franchise owner, he recruited, trained, and oversaw tax preparers while continuing to handle returns for clients.
However, Patel knowingly submitted false income tax returns, deliberately omitting over $1.28 million in income. This included nearly $1.18 million derived from S&W Amusements, a company he was associated with. The tax evasion covered the years 2015, 2016, and 2017.
S&W Amusements was engaged in placing coin-operated amusement machines in convenience stores and gas stations.
As part of his sentencing, Patel is barred from preparing tax returns for others or entities in which he has no stake during his supervised release period. The legal repercussions highlight the severe consequences individuals face when attempting to manipulate the tax system.
(With Agency Inputs)
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