Roseville tax preparation business charged with multiple tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office recently charged Rong Yang CPA, P.C., located in Roseville, with 19 felony counts of aiding or assisting in the filing of false or fraudulent sales tax returns.

According to the complaint, Rong Yang CPA, P.C. is a professional corporation whose CEO is Rong Yang. Ms. Yang’s company, the complaint alleges, was the accountant for Rong Qiao Zheng, owner of Super World Buffet in Apple Valley, who was recently convicted of filing false sales tax returns and ordered to pay over $138,000 in restitution stemming from felony charges filed in August 2021. The complaint states that from January 2017 through July 2018, Ms. Yang’s tax preparation business knowingly made up sales figures and submitted monthly sales tax returns for Super World Buffet that allowed the restaurant to underpay its sales tax by over $50,000. The complaint states that over the last five years, 20 of Rong Yang CPA’s clients have been audited for sales tax violations with 19 of those found to be underreporting sales tax with an average assessment of more than $66,000.

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. 

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