Cushing couple charged with multiple tax crimes

Tax preparation — Although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, the department takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure tax laws are administered fairly, a news release stated.

By Dispatch staff report

January 31, 2023 at 11:24 AM

CUSHING — A Cushing husband and wife each face eight felonies for failing to file tax returns, the Minnesota Department of Revenue announced Tuesday, Jan. 31.

The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office recently charged Scott Lawrence Ziegler and Kristine Elizabeth Ziegler with six felony counts each of failing to file individual income tax returns and two felony counts each of failing to file withholding tax returns.

According to the complaints, the Zieglers willfully failed to file their state income tax returns for tax years 2016 through 2021 and failed to file withholding tax returns for their business, Prism Powder Coating, for tax years 2020 and 2021. The complaints allege the Zieglers both earned enough money from the business to be required to file individual income tax returns and pay income tax in Minnesota.

According to the complaints, Kristine Ziegler served as the bookkeeper for the business and told investigators she knew of their obligation to file withholding tax returns but failed to do so. Scott Ziegler owes over $258,000 in income tax, penalties and interest, the complaints stated. Prism Powder Coating allegedly owes more than $20,700 in withholding tax, penalties and interest.

Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.

Although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, the department takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure tax laws are administered fairly, a news release stated.

Many of the department’s criminal case referrals come from public tips. There is a 24-hour tip line for anyone who suspects a person or business is violating Minnesota tax laws. Local callers may dial 651-297-5195 or call toll-free by dialing 1-800-657-3500. Tips can also be submitted to the department by email at tax.fraud@state.mn.us . Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous.

By Dispatch staff report

Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of "staff." Often, the "staff" byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.

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Cushing couple charged with multiple tax crimes

According to the complaints, the Zieglers failed to file state income tax returns in 2016-21 and failed to file withholding tax returns for their business, Prism Powder Coating, in 2020 and 2021.