Sauk Rapids Man Charged With Tax Fraud

(KNSI) – A Sauk Rapids man has been charged by the Ramsey County’s Attorney’s Office for allegedly cheating on his taxes.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced John Williams McPherson is charged with four felony counts of filing false or fraudulent individual income tax returns by overstating his earned income so he could claim the maximum refund from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the state Working Family Credit.

The complaint states that in 2015, McPherson allegedly claimed to earn $10,000 more than what his W-2 showed, and in 2016 through 2018, he allegedly claimed income from employers who had no record of employing him.

The complaint says McPherson collected more than $14,300 in tax return money due to fraudulent income reporting. Each felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue says many of the department’s criminal cases come from public tips. There is a 24-hour tip line for anyone who suspects that a person or business is violating Minnesota tax laws. Tips may also be submitted by email. Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous.

For the 24-hour tip line: dial 651-297-5195 or 1-800-657-3500.

The tip email address: tax.fraud@state.mn.us

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