Phillip Mak, Tax Evasion, Florida 2021

In a shocking revelation, Phillip Mak, a Jacksonville businessman, has pleaded guilty to evading millions of dollars in federal income taxes.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Mak earned more than $10 million during 2008 through 2020 and owed more than $3.7 million in federal taxes on that income.

However, instead of paying his taxes, Mak took steps to conceal his assets from the IRS.

Between 2019 and 2021, he transferred $1 million to his domestic partner, moved the ownership of his personal residence to a trust created and controlled by his domestic partner, and created a corporate entity and deposited his personal income into the corporate entity’s bank account.

Mak admitted that he committed at least one of these acts with an intent to evade payment of his taxes and knew that his conduct was against the law.

The IRS sent Mak notices about paying his taxes and filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien against his property, but he still had not paid any federal income tax for the last 13 years by the end of 2021.

This brazen attempt to evade taxes has left many wondering how such a scheme could go undetected for so long.

Mak’s actions have sparked outrage among tax authorities and the community.

"This is a clear case of tax evasion and a blatant disregard for the law," said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Criminal Division.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those who break the law to justice."

Mak faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison, with the court yet to schedule a sentencing date.

The case is being investigated by the IRS Criminal Investigation and prosecuted by Trial Attorneys Isaiah Boyd and Michael Jones of the Criminal Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Cannizzaro for the Middle District of Florida.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of tax evasion and the importance of compliance with tax laws.

As the investigation continues, Grimy Times will provide updates on the case.

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