KC Reporter

A Branson, Missouri resident has admitted in federal court to evading taxes totaling more than $825,000 over an 11-year period. Burton Cummings, 43, entered a guilty plea before U.S. Chief Magistrate Judge Willie Epps, Jr., acknowledging one count of tax evasion for failing to pay taxes owed to the United States.

According to federal prosecutors, Cummings was a former business owner who did not fully pay his income taxes between 2013 and 2024 except for the year 2015. With additional interest and penalties assessed by authorities, the total amount he now owes is $1,604,729.02.

The plea agreement states that Cummings made false statements to IRS Revenue Officers by claiming he had no income and submitted inaccurate forms and collection statements to avoid paying taxes. He also failed to file timely tax returns for several years and withdrew significant amounts of cash from his businesses without reporting the income.

Cummings faces up to five years in federal prison without parole under current statutes. However, the actual sentence will be determined by the court after reviewing advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors following a presentence investigation conducted by the United States Probation Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Carney is prosecuting the case following an investigation led by IRS – Criminal Investigation.