NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Gunvantrai H. Patel, 56, president of Shree Balaji, Inc., d/b/a Family Inns of America, 4300 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, Tenn., surrendered himself for arrest yesterday to authorities at the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. A warrant for his arrest was issued after the Knox County Grand Jury returned a 36 count sealed indictment relating to evasion of sales tax due the State of Tennessee. Bond was set at $7,500. The investigation was conducted by the Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Special Investigations Section conducted an investigation that led to the indictment and March 13 arrest of Brenda Ifabiyi, the owner of Ayokas Liquor Store located in Memphis, Tenn., on sales tax evasion and theft charges.

“Tennessee’s tax structure depends on taxpayers voluntarily complying with the laws,” said Commissioner Reagan Farr. “Taxpayers who collect but intentionally do not remit sales tax breach the public trust. This arrest underscores our commitment to collecting all taxes due the State of Tennessee.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - William R. Long, President of Tintmaster, Inc., 1920 Grand Avenue, Knoxville, Tenn., was arrested by agents of the Tennessee Department of Revenue on March 12, 2007, on charges of attempting to interfere with a revenue officer in the performance of her duties. The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation leading to the indictment and arrest of Long, age 32.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Commissioner Reagan Farr today announced that Sophie Moery has joined the Tennessee Department of Revenue as Director of Communications. Moery will be overseeing all communications and public outreach for the department.

“It is a pleasure to bring Sophie on board with the Revenue team,” said Revenue Commissioner Reagan Farr. “We look forward to her work in enhancing communications efforts by the department.”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - On March 6, 2007, Quinton B. White, former owner of Q.W. Discount Liquor Store located in Memphis, Tennessee, pled guilty to one count of sales tax fraud, a violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440 and one count of theft of property over $10,000, a violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 39-14-103. The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Special Investigations Section conducted the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue will be conducting roadside diesel fuel compliance checks in Greene County during daylight hours on Wednesday, March 21. Internal Revenue Service fuel compliance officers often participate in these checks and may be present at this location.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue will be conducting roadside diesel fuel compliance checks in Dickson County during daylight hours on Tuesday, March 13. Internal Revenue Service fuel compliance officers often participate in these checks and may be present at this location.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Today Charles William Jackson, owner of CJ’s Bar & Grill located at 4532 Knoxville Highway in Oliver Springs, Tenn., pled guilty to one count of sales tax fraud, a violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-1-1440(g). The Tennessee Department of Revenue’s Special Investigations Section conducted the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - These free workshops are designed to assist those encountering business-related taxes for the first time. Tax specialists from various local and state agencies will provide the basic information needed to comply with registration and tax requirements. During the session, attendees will have the opportunity to listen to these tax specialists, ask questions, and receive materials explaining tax responsibilities and providing contact information. Areas of discussion will include business tax, sales and use tax, unemployment tax and tax enforcement procedures.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Sam Chessor and Glen Page are the new deputy commissioners for the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Commissioner Reagan Farr announced today. In this role, Chessor will oversee the operational divisions of the agency while Page will manage the tax and policy sections of the department.