Portland Tax Attorney Faces Federal Trial for Tax Fraud

By ANDREA DAMEWOOD

A Portland tax attorney who taught classes at Portland Community College is under federal indictment for filing false tax returns—for himself. 

Steven M. Cyr is charged with two felony counts of fraud and false statements for overstating his business expenses on his 2006 and 2007 tax returns. 

According to a federal indictment, Cyr—who runs Legal Representation LLC on Southwest Scholls Ferry Road— "well knew and believed" his expenses were "substantially less" than the business expenses he claimed.

In April 2007, the indictment shows, Cyr filled out his 2006 1040 personal income tax form claiming his business cost him $524,678. The next year, he filled out his 1040 to say his expenses were $408,767. The indictment, signed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Bounds, says those figures are false.

Cyr's trial date is set for Oct. 22 and is assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Michael Mosman.

Reached by phone, Cyr says he's aware of the charges and trial, but declined to comment. 

Portland Community College says Cyr last taught classes there in 1998. 

Cyr's license with the Oregon State Bar remains active, although a spokeswoman says Cyr is also under investigation by the bar discipline council.

WWeek 2015

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