Davidson County Man Arrested for Tax Evasion

NASHVILLE- The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Special Investigations Section conducted the investigation that led to today’s arrest of Christopher Corey Havens, age 40, Nashville, Tenn. Havens was arrested by agents of the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Bond was set at $5,000.

 

On Feb. 4, 2011, Havens was indicted by a Davidson County Grand Jury on one Class E felony count of Tax Evasion in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440. The indictment charges that on March 17, 2008, Havens filed false and fraudulent registration documents with the Davidson County Clerk’s Office significantly understating the price he paid for a Yamaha 23’ boat which resulted in unremitted tax of $1,539.00.

 

If convicted, Havens could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000.00.

 

“The Department of Revenue promotes voluntary taxpayer compliance by educating taxpayers, aggressively pursuing criminal sanctions and demanding accountability when taxpayers engage in fraudulent activity,” said Revenue Commissioner Richard H. Roberts. “This investigation underscores the department’s ongoing efforts to enforce Tennessee’s tax laws.

 

This case was pursued criminally by the department in cooperation with Davidson County District Attorney General Victor S. Johnson, III. 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 91 percent of total state tax revenue. During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, the department collected $10.1 billion in state taxes and fees. In addition to collecting state taxes, the Department of Revenue collects taxes for local, county and municipal governments. During the 2009-2010 fiscal year, local government collections by the Department of Revenue exceeded $1.9 billion. In collecting taxes, the department enforces the revenue laws fairly and impartially in an effort to encourage voluntary taxpayer compliance. 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.

 

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