Blaine man charged with multiple tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office recently charged Kevin Anthony Meyers, of Blaine, with one felony count of filing a fraudulent individual income tax return, one felony count of failing to file an individual income tax return, and two felony counts of failing to pay income tax.

Mr. Meyers is also charged with two felony counts of insurance fraud, two felony counts of theft by swindle, and two felony counts of identity theft. 

According to the complaint, Mr. Meyers worked as a broker for an insurance company. The complaint alleges that Mr. Meyers submitted hundreds of supplemental insurance policy applications using personal identifying information of individuals without their knowledge or consent. This earned him over $600,000 in advanced commission payments in 2018 and 2019. The complaint states that Mr. Meyers refused to return the payments when the policies were terminated due to nonpayment.  

According to the complaint, Mr. Meyers failed to claim the illegally earned advanced commission payments as income for tax years 2018 and 2019 and overstated his business expenses for 2019. He failed to pay income tax in both years, failed to file an income tax return for tax year 2018, and filed a fraudulent income tax return with the overstated business expenses for tax year 2019. Mr. Meyers allegedly owes more than $111,000 in 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. 

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