If you drive a little more than 500 miles straight south of Cleveland, you will come to Cleveland County in North Carolina. That is where federal agents recently raided the home of a man who has allegedly failed to pay taxes on the nearly $3 million he has earned selling natural medicines.
While FBI agents were combing the residence of the self-described medicine man, they uncovered an underground bunker containing weapons, drugs, materials that could be used to construct an explosive device, and a still.
The man now faces tax evasion charges as well as federal firearms charges, according to a newspaper report.
His interesting story doesn't end there: He also claims to be a minister in the Native American Church of Nemenhah. Though the federal government does not recognize the natural-healing group as a church or tribe, the man apparently claims that all of his income is a donation to the church, and therefore cannot be taxed.
He has not filed tax returns in nearly 20 years, the Internal Revenue Service says.
The IRS has long railed against "abusive tax shelters." In a statement released earlier this year, IRS Commissioner John Koskinen said, "These schemes can end up costing taxpayers more in back taxes, penalties and interest than they saved in the first place."
We don't know what the outcome of this case will be, but we do know that those facing accusations of tax evasion should consult a tax attorney in order to learn about their options.
