A Coffee County man has pleaded guilty to tax-related charges after a probe by the Tennessee Department of Revenue's Special Investigations Section. Matthew Aussiker faced the justice system on Wednesday with Judge Robert Carter presiding. Aussiker admitted to two counts of tax fraud regarding the false registration of two boats at the local clerk's office, as detailed by the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Judge Carter handled the sentencing for Aussiker, placing him on two years of supervised probation coupled with an order to pay restitution. The amount to be paid back to the Department of Revenue has not been disclosed publicly. In response to the guilty plea, Revenue Commissioner David Gerregano highlighted the department's dedication to "promote voluntary compliance of Tennessee’s tax laws by educating taxpayers and pursuing criminal sanctions for accountability of fraudulent actors," as reported on the department's website.
Citizens who suspect possible violations of tax laws are being encouraged by the department to report suspicious activity. An anonymous hotline has been made available for reporting, to bolster enforcement and compliance efforts. In the ongoing battle against tax evasion, such tips can be critical for authorities to clamp down on fraudulent schemes.
The cooperative efforts between the Department of Revenue and the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference were instrumental in bringing Aussiker’s case to a resolution. The department oversees the administration of state tax laws, including motor vehicle title and registration laws, and is a major collector for the state. According to the Department of Revenue, during the fiscal year of 2024, they reportedly collected nearly $22.2 billion in state taxes and fees, in addition to over $4.7 billion for local governments—a testament to their pivotal role in the state’s economy.
