Financial planner guilty of tax fraud on behalf of clients

Financial planner guilty of tax fraud on behalf of clients
Charities, shell companies and tax evasion schemes leave a Cleveland advisor in hot water.
JUL 13, 2023

A financial planner in Cleveland has pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to defraud the United States and filing a fraudulent tax return. The advisor in question, Rao Garuda, was implicated in an illegal scheme known as the Advanced Legacy Plan or the Ultimate Tax Plan.

Garuda was president and chief executive at Associated Concepts Agency Inc., and the scheme was designed to help affluent individuals unlawfully minimize their tax liabilities, according to a statement from the Justice Department. The operation entailed the transfer of assets to a limited liability company, thereby vesting ownership in a charitable organization overseen by Garuda's co-conspirators. They exploited these charity contributions to falsely claim tax deductions.

Despite receiving legal advice warning against the scheme's illegality, Garuda actively promoted and facilitated it for his clients. Furthermore, he aided clients in retroactively altering documents to claim tax deductions after the conclusion of the tax year.

Garuda specialized in medical professionals, and claimed he could help reduce taxes, eliminate debt and increase his clients’ spendable income.

"As an American taxpayer, do you feel inundated with taxes? Or overwhelmed with debt?" his LinkedIn page asks. "Do you prefer to pay income taxes ONE time (not 2, 3, 4 times on the same money)? Are you frustrated with the mixed advice coming from financial institutions, advisors, and those who supposedly have your best interest in mind?"

"If you nodded YES to the above, we can help. We help business owners, professionals (both W-2 and 1099) and working families learn how they can legally recover 10s of 1000s of dollars a year they have no idea they are losing — slipping right into the hands of the Federal Government, Wall St., and financial institutions," the posting continues. "We hate taxes, and so should you. Now, it’s time to stop hating and do something about it."

The former chief financial officer of Associated Concept Agency, Cullen Fisher, pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to defraud the IRS.

As a result of his actions, Garuda caused a substantial tax loss amounting to over $2.7 million. In recognition of his guilt, he has agreed to make restitution.

Awaiting his sentencing, Garuda faces a maximum of five years in prison, supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. The IRS criminal investigation department is presently conducting an investigation into this case.

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry

"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.