Edina Couple Faces Felony Tax Charges

A pair of Edina residents are being charged with eight tax crimes by the Minnesota Department of Revenue for failing to properly file their income tax returns between 2006 and 2009.

Krista and Michael Gresham, both of Edina, face four felony counts of knowingly filing false of fraudulent Minnesota individual income tax returns during tax years 2006-2009. They also each face four gross misdemeanor courts for willful failure to pay Minnesota individual taxes during the same time period.

The Greshams allegedly overstated their Minnesota income tax withholding by $4,400, resulting in refunds and reduced payments totaling $875. They actually owed the state the overstated $4,400, not counting interest and penalty payments. A complaint from the Hennepin County Attorney's Office also alleges the couple overstated their federal income tax withholding by $6,973.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue reportedly sent the Greshams an audit report in 2009, directing them to pay the excess withholding they reported on their 2006 income tax return. In response, Krista Gresham reportedly sent a check to the department for the $471.94 due to the state, but did not responds to a later request for additional information on the inflated withholding amount on their 2007 tax return.

Each felony is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, while each misdemeanor charge carries up to a year in prison and a $3,000 fine.

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