Missouri State has charged a woman from Christian County for not filing the sales taxes of her restaurant.
Stephanie Wigger faces the following charges:
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- Eight counts of With Intent To Defraud, Willfully Failed To Make A Sales Tax Return/Pay Sales Tax/Keep Records/Supply Information
- Five counts of Employer, W/Intent To Defraud, Willfully Failed To File Return/Truthfully Account For/Pay Withholding Tax
- Eight counts of Failure To Collect Or Pay Over Income Tax
According to court filings from the Missouri Department of Revenue’s Criminal Tax Investigation Bureau, Wigger failed to file sales tax for five quarterly periods from March 31, 2021, to March 31, 2022.
At the time, Wigger owned Farm Fresh Steakhouse and Bakery in Nixa. The restaurant closed in 2023.
Investigators subpoenaed bank account records and discovered that Wigger was depositing payments made at the restaurant via cash and debit/credit card transactions.
Authorities also discovered that Wigger was utilizing restaurant profits for personal and non-business items. Purchases included travel, food, entertainment, leisure, and more.
According to court records, Wigger also failed to file the sales tax for five quarterly periods from December 31, 2020, to March 31, 2022.
As an employer, Wigger also failed to file withholding tax for five quarterly periods ending March 31, 2021, through March 31, 2022, as well as nine quarterly periods ending March 31, 2020, through March 31, 2022.
According to investigators, when they reached out to Wigger in February 2022, she stated that she had not received the notice of revocation and that she was aware that Farm Fresh was late on tax payments but believed the forms were current.
Authorities were able to have an in-person interview with Wigger in 2023. She informed the agent that she was working with her accountant to finalize the sales and withholding tax forms.
Investigators report that the state of Missouri lost $48,117.49, and interest and surcharges will persist until the outstanding sales and withholding tax obligations receive full payment.
We have issued a summons and set the court date for October 2.