Fridley tax preparer charged with 18 tax crimes 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office recently charged Mubarak M. Jama, of Fridley, with 18 tax-related felonies. He is charged with:

• Four felony counts of knowingly filing false individual income tax returns
• One felony count of willfully failing to file an individual income tax return
• Five felony counts of failing to pay income tax
• Eight felony counts of aiding or assisting in the preparation of false or fraudulent individual tax returns

According to the complaint, Mr. Jama ran a tax preparation business but failed to file his individual income tax return or pay income tax in 2023. Additionally, investigators determined that Mr. Jama failed to include all his taxable income from the business and other sources on the income tax returns he filed for tax years 2019 through 2022. Mr. Jama allegedly owes over $76,000 in income tax.

The complaint goes on to state that Mr. Jama knowingly prepared tax returns for multiple clients with fraudulent claims for deductions of business expenses. When reviewed during audits, the invoices he provided for the business expenses were allegedly altered and fraudulent with dates, names, and other information being changed or removed.

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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