As a tax preparer, it was Ginger Rae Decker’s business to file tax returns for her clients. But the Little Canada woman neglected to file her own, according to felony charges filed against her.
The Ramsey County attorney’s office recently filed three felony counts of failing to file individual income tax returns as well as three additional counts of failing to pay income tax, according to the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Decker, who operates Ginger Decker Tax and Accounting Services, helped more than 1,000 clients file their tax returns between 2015 and 2017, but she never filed her own during that time period, according to revenue officials.
She reportedly owes the government more than $16,000 in income tax, penalties and interest.
Decker has operated a tax preparation business out of her home for the last 15 years, charges say.
During an interview with authorities earlier this month, Decker allegedly acknowledged that she knew there were criminal penalties for failing to file her taxes, and said she had just “let things slide and got behind,” according to her criminal complaint.
Decker could not be immediately reached for comment and no attorney was listed for her in court records.
She is scheduled to make her next appearance on the allegations in March.
The state Department of Revenue gets many of its tips about criminal activity from the public and operates a 24-hour tip line for anyone who suspects a person or business of breaking the state’s tax laws, according to its release.
Tips can be made anonymously.
Local residents can call 651-297-5195 to report a tip or call toll-free at 1-800-657-3500. Tips can also be submitted by email at tax.fraud@state.mn.us.