A Utah man has been accused of promoting a false church-based tax fraud scheme.
The U.S. government has filed a civil injunction suit against Kevin Hartshorn, a ‘senior minister’ for the ‘Church of Compassionate Service.’
According to the government complaint, Hartshorn falsely promises members that they can legally reduce or eliminate their federal income taxes, avoid filing federal income tax returns, and put their income and assets beyond the reach of the Internal Revenue Service by becoming ‘ministers’ in the Church of Compassionate Service.
The government complaint alleges that the Church of Compassionate Service claims its members are ‘ministers’ who are required to take a vow of poverty, which supposedly eliminates their taxable income.
However, the suit alleges that the purported vows of poverty are false and the members continue to have access to their income notwithstanding the purported vow.
Since 2001, the Justice Tax Division has obtained more than 470 injunctions to stop the promotion of tax fraud schemes and the preparation of fraudulent returns.
Hartshorn’s actions have been brought to light, and the court will now decide on the permanent ban.
Utah man Kevin Hartshorn
Defendant/respondent: Kevin Hartshorn
Criminal charges: Promoting a false church-based tax fraud scheme
City and state: Salt Lake City, Utah
Exact date: Not specified
Sentence or outcome: Permanent ban pending court decision
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Utah
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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