Knox County Businesswoman Charged with Tax Evasion

KNOXVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Mosamod Halima Aktar for tax evasion.  Department of Revenue special agents arrested Aktar, 38, at Discount Tobacco & Grocery on Thursday.

On November 30, the Knox County Grand Jury indicted Aktar on felony counts of theft and violation of Tennessee tax laws.  The indictments charge that Aktar failed to remit sales tax due for Discount Tobacco & Grocery, located at 3120 East Magnolia Avenue in Knoxville. Bond was set at $20,000.

“Tennessee’s tax structure depends on taxpayers voluntarily complying with the laws,” Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said.  “Taxpayers, who collect but intentionally do not remit sales tax, breach the public’s trust and violate the criminal laws of the state.  This cause underscores our commitment to rigorous and fair tax administration.”

If convicted, Aktar could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count of tax evasion. She could be sentenced to a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000 for theft of property.

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Charme Allen’s office.  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, as well as the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws.  The Department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue.  During the 2016 fiscal year, it collected $13.5 billion in state taxes and fees, and more than $2.6 billion in taxes and fees for local governments.