Bloomington man charged with multiple tax crimes 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office recently charged Curtis Allen Ritter, of Bloomington, with:

• one felony count of willfully failing to file an income tax return
• two felony counts of filing false or fraudulent income tax returns
• three felony counts of failing to pay income tax
• three felony counts of failing to file sales and use tax returns 
• three felony counts of failing to pay sales and use tax

According to the complaint, Mr. Ritter earned enough taxable income through his business, Curt’s Auto Repair LLC., to be required to file income tax returns and pay income tax in Minnesota. However, Mr. Ritter underreported his income on his returns for tax years 2020 and 2021 and failed to file a return for tax year 2022. The complaint alleges that Mr. Ritter was aware of his income tax filing obligations since he had filed returns in previous years. Mr. Ritter was aware of his actual annual income as the complaint states he provided income information to insurance and banking institutions well above the income amounts provided on his returns.

The complaint also alleges that Mr. Ritter collected sales tax from customers on the services provided by his business but did not file sales tax returns or remit the sales tax collected for multiple periods between tax years 2020 and 2022. 

The complaint states that Mr. Ritter told investigators that he knew he had to pay income and sales taxes, acknowledging receiving letters and emails from the department.

Mr. Ritter allegedly owes over $16,000 in income and sales taxes.

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. 

Combating tax fraud and protecting taxpayer dollars

Since 2022, Revenue has collected nearly $2 billion in compliance enforcement efforts, and stopped nearly $300 million in fraudulently filed returns, saving the state nearly $2.3 billion.

Revenue’s actions have protected more than $550 million per year through stopping fraud and enforcing compliance.

Get the latest news and updates from the Minnesota Department of Revenue by following the department on Facebook, Instagram, and on X (formerly Twitter) or by signing up for email alerts.