Decherd Man Surrenders to Authorities on Violations of the States Revenue Laws

WINCHESTER, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the surrender of Mark Alan Hill of Decherd, Tenn., age 51.  Hill surrendered to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department on July 8, 2008 on two counts of attempting to evade Tennessee taxes.  Bond was set at $2,500.

On July 7, 2008, the Franklin County Grand Jury returned a two-count indictment for evasion of sales tax in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440(g), a Class E felony.  The indictments charge that Hill intentionally filed false and fraudulent documents with the Franklin County Clerk’s Office on Feb. 26, 2003 and March 29, 2006.  Hill understated his actual purchase price of two boats, therefore failing to remit $1,014 of sales tax due the State of Tennessee.

If convicted, Hill could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined $3,000 for each count of sales tax evasion.  Additionally, civil taxes, penalties and interest will be due the state once the criminal case is concluded.

“The Department of Revenue is committed to applying Tennessee’s tax laws and policies uniformly to all taxpayers to ensure a level playing field,” said Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr. “The department cannot and will not allow people engaged in fraudulent tax activities to have a competitive advantage over honest businesspeople.”

This case was pursued criminally by the department in cooperation with District Attorney General J. Michael Taylor’s Office. Citizens who suspect violations of the Tennessee revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).