A Butler, Pennsylvania man is facing prison time after pleading guilty to failing to pay over payroll taxes collected from his employees.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 49-year-old Michael D. Funovits admitted that, between 2016 and 2023, he failed to remit payroll taxes for his companies, PennRo Associates LLC and Penn Exteriors LLC. These funds—known as trust fund taxes—are withheld from employee paychecks and must be turned over to the IRS.
By not doing so, Funovits now faces up to five years in prison and fines of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for February 17, 2026.
Why This Matters for Business Owners
Payroll tax issues are more common than you might think. When cash flow is tight, some owners “borrow” from payroll taxes to keep the lights on. But here’s the hard truth: the IRS considers this stealing from your employees. It’s one of the most serious tax violations you can commit.
And while not every case ends in federal court, ignoring payroll tax debt can quickly snowball into penalties, liens, and in the worst cases, criminal charges.
The Lesson: Act Early, Get Help
If you’re behind on payroll taxes—or any taxes—the most important thing you can do is act now. The longer you wait, the fewer options you have.
The good news? There are ways to resolve these issues legally and strategically before they become unmanageable. Installment agreements, penalty relief, and compliance strategies are all on the table—but only if you face the problem head-on.
You Don’t Have to Face the IRS Alone
At [Your Company Name], we help business owners resolve tax problems the right way: with honesty, strategy, and expert representation.
Here’s how we can help:
- Deal directly with the IRS on your behalf.
- Explore every resolution option available to your situation.
- Help you come into compliance—even if you’re years behind.
- Protect you from making costly mistakes that could escalate your case.
If payroll tax debt or IRS notices are keeping you up at night, now is the time to take action. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Contact CHECKBUCKS, LLC today to schedule a confidential consultation and start building your path back to peace of mind.
