TAX NEWS - February 2009

Hawaii Tax: Real Estate Agent Found Guilty In Tax Case

HONOLULU — Michael L. Norton was sentenced in District Court by the Honorable Edwin C. Nacino for failing to file his general excise returns for tax years 2001 through 2006. He failed to report the commission income he received ranging from $93,000 to over $345,000 for the years in question and did not pay any taxes due on his earnings.

Mr. Norton had paid the taxes except for the restitution amount of $5,826 that was ordered by Judge Nacino.

Norton requested a deferral of his guilty plea but the judge denied his request due to a prior theft conviction and instead found him guilty of the six misdemeanor charges. He was placed on probation for one year and must remain tax compliant. A fine of $30,000 and other court and probation services fees were also ordered. In addition, he must perform 150 hours of community service and remain tax compliant throughout his probationary period. A review hearing is set for June 29, 2009.

For more information contact:

Stephen Hironaka
Criminal Tax Investigator