St. Cloud woman charged with multiple tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Benton County Attorney’s Office recently charged Jamie Lynn with eight tax-related felonies. Ms. Lynn, of St. Cloud, is charged with four felony counts of filing false or fraudulent income tax returns and four felony counts of failing to pay income tax.

According to the complaints, Ms. Lynn fraudulently filed her income tax returns each year from 2014 through 2017, by overstating her withholding amounts in order to get thousands of dollars in tax refunds that she was not entitled to receive.  The complaints state that department investigators determined that Ms. Lynn should have paid over $3,400 in income tax during that period.

Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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

Many of the department’s criminal case referrals 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. 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. 

Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department on Facebook and Twitter or by signing up for our email subscription list.