Don’t mess with the IRS

Shawn Bierd, who owned and operated Advance Auto Body in Madison, has pleaded guilty in U.S District Court to tax evasion and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

According to a release from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Western District of Wisconsin, between 2003 and 2012, Bierd failed to file employment tax returns or pay employment taxes for his business. The IRS began collection activity against him in 2007, including bank levies, liens on his home, and attempts to seize a vehicle.

In response, Bierd attempted to move assets into the names of others, including his mother, and sent frivolous correspondence to the IRS claiming he was exempt and demanding the IRS pay him $10 million in damages.

He also was found to be in possession of a 9mm Beretta and a .45 caliber submachine gun. He has admitted to evading taxes and owning the guns.

Sentencing is scheduled for October.