A Branson, Missouri man has admitted in federal court to evading taxes over an 11-year period. Burton Cummings, 43, pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., to one count of tax evasion for failing to pay more than $825,297.81 in taxes between 2013 and 2024.
Cummings, who previously owned a business, did not fully pay his income taxes except for the year 2015. Including interest and penalties, he now owes the United States a total of $1,604,729.02.
According to court documents, Cummings provided false information to IRS Revenue Officers by claiming he had no income. He also admitted to submitting false forms and collection statements to the IRS in order to avoid paying taxes. The plea agreement states that Cummings failed to file timely tax returns for several years and made large cash withdrawals from his companies without reporting this income.
Under federal law, Cummings could face up to five years in prison without parole. However, the final sentence will be determined by the court after considering advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors following a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
“This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney. It was investigated by the IRS – Criminal Investigation.”
