New Orleans Business Owner Charged in Tax Fraud Case

A local business owner faces potential fines and prison time after allegedly filing false personal and corporate tax returns.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Taxes

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a neoclassical archway, evoking the institutional gravitas of federal tax law enforcement. — Federal prosecutors in New Orleans have charged a 64-year-old business owner with tax fraud involving significant income omissions and fraudulent business deductions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Federal prosecutors have charged a New Orleans business owner with filing false tax returns for both his 2022 individual and 2023 corporate filings. The charges against the 64-year-old owner of DC Trucking and Hauling detail significant omissions of income and the reporting of fraudulent expenses.

Why it matters

Tax fraud cases highlight the importance of accurate reporting and the severe legal and financial consequences for failing to report all income or claiming unsubstantiated business deductions. These charges serve as a reminder for all taxpayers and business owners to maintain precise financial records to ensure compliance with federal tax laws.

Federal charges indicate $79,011.01 in unreported personal income and $235,274 in false corporate deductions. Upon conviction, the defendant faces a maximum $100,000 fine and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee.

The players

James Perdigao

The 64-year-old owner of DC Trucking and Hauling who has been charged with filing false federal tax returns.

DC Trucking and Hauling

A business entity owned by the defendant that was linked to false corporate deductions in the recent tax charges.

The details

The charges involve two distinct tax periods where reported figures deviated from actual financial activity. For the 2022 tax year, the defendant allegedly excluded over $79,000 in income from an individual return. In 2023, the defendant reportedly included more than $235,000 in false deductions on a corporate tax return for DC Trucking and Hauling.

The defendant filed an individual income tax return for the 2022 tax year.
The defendant filed a corporate income tax return for the 2023 tax year.
James Perdigao was officially charged on October 26, 2026.

Money Landscape

Federal tax enforcement relies on accurate reporting to maintain the integrity of the national tax system. This prosecution serves as a reminder of the strict compliance standards mandated by the Internal Revenue Code for both individual and corporate taxpayers.

Business owners should review their own tax filings to ensure all income and deductions are fully documented and accurate. For concerns regarding specific business deductions or income reporting, consult with a qualified tax professional to ensure total compliance with federal mandates.

The takeaway

Tax compliance requires maintaining rigorous records for both personal and business income to avoid legal repercussions. Taxpayers should ensure they have professional documentation for all deductions and speak with a qualified tax advisor regarding any questions on their annual filings.