Cumberland County Businessman Arrested on Sales Tax Evasion Charges

Crossville, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Vipul Manubhai Patel, age 33, of Crossville, TN. On September 9, 2013, Patel was arrested by Special Agents of the Tennessee Department of Revenue at the business, JASH Corporation, d/b/a Tobacco and Beverage Mart, located at 65 Lantana Road, Crossville, TN. Bond was set at $40,000.

On September 9, 2013, the Cumberland County Grand Jury indicted Patel on 23 Class E felony counts of sales tax evasion in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440(g). The indictment charges that Patel willfully attempted to evade $99,774.03 in sales tax due the State of Tennessee during the period January 2008 through December 2009.

"Tennessee's tax structure depends on taxpayers voluntarily complying with the laws," said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. "Taxpayers who collect but intentionally do not remit sales tax, breach the public's trust and violate the criminal laws of the State. This case underscores our commitment to rigorous and fair administration of Tennessee's tax laws."

If convicted, Patel could be sentenced up to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined $3,000.00 for each of the tax evasion counts.

Prosecution of this criminal case was pursued by the department in cooperation with District Attorney General Randy York's office. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee's revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws established by the legislature and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department of Revenue collects approximately 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2013 fiscal year, the department collected $11.7 billion in state taxes and fees and over $2.2 billion in taxes and fees for local county and municipal governments. The department also apportions revenue collections for distribution to the various state funds and local units of government. To learn more about the department, log on to www.TN.gov/revenue.

###