TAX NEWS - JUNE 2009

Hawaii Tax: Woman Found Guilty For Not Filing Tax Returns

HONOLULU — Veronica Esteban was sentenced before Judge Blake Okimoto on June 5, 2009 for failing to file her annual general excise tax returns for 2001 through 2005. Esteban asked for a deferral of her plea as a first time offender and the judge denied her request stating she was a business woman and investor who earned sufficient income to pay her taxes and should have known better.

Judge Okimoto found her guilty of all charges and placed her on probation for one year. She was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $15,436, a fine of $10,000 ($2,000 per count), probation services fee of $375, and other court fees of $275. She must also perform 100 hours of community service and remain tax compliant throughout her probationary period.

For more information contact:

Stephen Hironaka
Criminal Tax Investigator
Hawaii Department of Tax