Hanska woman charged with multiple felony tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Brown County Attorney’s Office recently charged Jana Marie Makela, of Hanska, with 12 tax-related felonies. she is charged with:

• 3 felony counts of filing false or fraudulent sales tax returns
• 3 felony counts of failing to pay or collect and remit sales and use tax
• 3 felony counts of filing false or fraudulent individual income tax returns
• 3 felony counts of failing to pay individual income tax

According to the complaint, Ms. Makela was the owner of BrookeMarie’s Goldendoodle Love, a dog breeding business she runs with her daughter. Using banking records, investigators determined that Ms. Makela underreported the number of puppies sold through her business from 2019 through 2021. When filing her sales and income tax returns for those years, Ms. Makela failed to report nearly $250,000 in taxable income generated by the business. Ms. Makela allegedly owes over $50,000 in sales tax, income tax, penalties, and interest.

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.