WASHINGTON - A federal court in Chicago has permanently barred William J. Benson, of South Holland, Ill., from selling a fraudulent tax scheme. The permanent injunction order was signed by U.S. District Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan.
The court held that Benson falsely told customers they did not have to file federal income tax returns or pay tax. Additionally, he falsely told them that by buying Benson’s products they could be shielded from criminal prosecution. The order notes that Benson had reason to know his statements about the tax laws were false because of his prior federal convictions for tax evasion and failure to file tax returns.
The court order requires Benson to send copies of the order to his customers and post a copy of the order on his website.
Since 2001 the Justice Department has obtained injunctions against more than 305 tax-fraud promoters and tax preparers. Information about these cases and about the Justice Department’s Tax Division is available on the Justice Department website.
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