GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN – Li Jiao Shao, 31, of Jonesville, Michigan, pled guilty today to three counts of submitting false personal tax returns to the Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis announced today. Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez, IRSCriminal Investigation, joined in the announcement. Shao entered the guilty pleas in U.S. District Court before magistrate Judge Ellen S. Carmody.

Shao was indicted on federal tax charges in September 2011. According to court records, Shao admitted filing false joint individual income tax returns for the calendar years 2005, 2006, and 2007. During that time, Shao worked at King Buffet, a restaurant owned by her husband and father-in-law. For 2005, Shao reported partnership income of $10,790 when the actual partnership income was approximately $79,171. For 2006, Shao reported partnership income of $15,777 when the actual partnership income was approximately $45,365. For 2007, Shao reported a total income of $43,723 when the actual total income was approximately $293,930. Shao has agreed to pay over $97,000 in taxes due and owing to the Internal Revenue Service.

“During this time of year, millions of citizens are preparing and filing accurate tax returns. The American public can rest assured that the IRS will hold accountable those, like Shao, who try to cheat the system. Everyone is required to file and pay their fair share of taxes,” said Erick Martinez, IRS Special Agent in Charge.

Shao faces up to three years imprisonment per count for filing false personal tax returns. No date has yet been set for sentencing.

The investigation of this case was conducted by the special agents of the Internal Revenue Service, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney B. Rene Shekmer.

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