Post by Logan on Jun 18, 2016 23:10:38 GMT -6
State files suit, says investor failed to pay taxes for years
It’s taken almost three decades, but state tax collectors have finally caught up with Brian R. Burke, the so-called “contrarian” investor who has been repeatedly accused of ripping off disadvantaged people in real estate deals.
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue earlier this month sued the controversial Newton investor, developer, and contractor, after the Globe revealed in May that he has filed tax returns only once in the past 25 years.
Tax officials found that Burke, who has claimed under oath to be worth $15 million to $20 million, failed to file state taxes in nine of the last 10 years and gave him until Sept. 9 to pay up. Even if Burke’s income for the decade was modest, he could still owe $100,000 or more, including penalties and interest.
“We take seriously the obligation residents have to pay their taxes, and we will work with [the Department of Revenue] to make sure that happens,” said Cyndi Roy Gonzalez, spokeswoman for Attorney General Maura Healey, speaking generally. “When individuals cheat the system, we will hold them accountable.”
Read more: www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/06/18/tax-collectors-target-investor-decades-after-allegedly-stopped-paying-taxes/mjUdlSKmI6wKIUdHzKmZFJ/story.html
It’s taken almost three decades, but state tax collectors have finally caught up with Brian R. Burke, the so-called “contrarian” investor who has been repeatedly accused of ripping off disadvantaged people in real estate deals.
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue earlier this month sued the controversial Newton investor, developer, and contractor, after the Globe revealed in May that he has filed tax returns only once in the past 25 years.
Tax officials found that Burke, who has claimed under oath to be worth $15 million to $20 million, failed to file state taxes in nine of the last 10 years and gave him until Sept. 9 to pay up. Even if Burke’s income for the decade was modest, he could still owe $100,000 or more, including penalties and interest.
“We take seriously the obligation residents have to pay their taxes, and we will work with [the Department of Revenue] to make sure that happens,” said Cyndi Roy Gonzalez, spokeswoman for Attorney General Maura Healey, speaking generally. “When individuals cheat the system, we will hold them accountable.”
Read more: www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/06/18/tax-collectors-target-investor-decades-after-allegedly-stopped-paying-taxes/mjUdlSKmI6wKIUdHzKmZFJ/story.html