Tax Shelter Promoters Charged in Oregon
Micaela Renee Dutson and her husband, Tony Dutson, were arraigned in federal court in Portland on charges that they conspired to defraud the United States of more than $8 million and failed to file income taxes. Both pleaded not guilty to all charges, and trial is set for August 5.
The indictment alleges that the conspiracy, which began in 1997 and continued through at least October 2005, was intended to impede and obstruct the lawful functions of the IRS through deceit and dishonest means. At the heart of the conspiracy was the marketing of abusive tax-avoidance programs which were designed solely to assist people in evading assessment and collection of federal income taxes.
The Dutsons allegedly collected hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees from clients who paid them to help hide assets and avoid payment of federal income taxes. These tax avoidance programs were sold using various business entities. According to the indictment, the Dutsons typically charged between $1,500 and $2,500 to establish each “trust” in a package, and encouraged the purchase of multiple trusts for added security. The Dutsons also charged an annual maintenance fee of around $250 for each “trust.” The Dutsons used the money they received to pay for personal expenses, and then failed to disclose the money received to the IRS by failing to file tax returns.
During the life of the alleged conspiracy, the Dutsons helped clients hide millions of dollars in income from the IRS. These clients have since been assessed over $8 million in taxes, interest and penalties.
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Tags: Conspiracy to Commit Tax Evasion
