Charlotte, January 30, 2026
Michael A. Kahn, the former owner of the Charlotte Checkers, has been indicted on multiple federal tax fraud charges. Prosecutors accuse him of diverting over $4.5 million from his charitable foundation and failing to report it on his tax returns. Kahn, who pleaded not guilty, faces significant legal consequences if convicted, including potential prison time. His case highlights the pursuit of tax evaders regardless of status, as authorities aim to uphold tax compliance standards.
Charlotte
Former Charlotte Checkers Owner Indicted on Federal Tax Fraud Charges
Michael A. Kahn, the 65-year-old former owner of the Charlotte Checkers, has been indicted on federal tax fraud charges, facing allegations of diverting more than $4.5 million from a charitable foundation he established and failing to report it as personal income. The indictment, unsealed on Thursday, January 29, 2026, details four federal charges against Kahn, including two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and two counts of failing to file a tax return. Kahn appeared in court on Thursday, pleaded not guilty, and was subsequently released on bond after being ordered to surrender his passport.
Allegations of Financial Misconduct
Prosecutors allege that between 2020 and 2023, Kahn transferred over $4.5 million from the Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation to himself. The foundation, established by Kahn in 2010 as a tax-exempt organization, was reportedly under his complete control, where he served in multiple leadership capacities including Director, President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Chairman of the Board of Directors. It is further alleged that Kahn failed to report these substantial transfers as income on his federal tax returns for 2020 and 2021. Additionally, he is accused of not filing tax returns at all for the years 2022 and 2023.
Potential Legal Consequences
If convicted, Michael Kahn could face significant penalties. Each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years. For each count of failing to file a tax return, he could face up to one year in prison. Beyond these specific charges, federal tax evasion, a Nationwide criminal offense, can lead to up to five years in prison and fines of up to $100,000 for individuals, or $500,000 for corporations. Willful failures to file, pay, or maintain adequate records, also Nationwide offenses, may result in up to one year in prison and fines of up to $25,000 for individuals. Data from the U.S. Sentencing Commission indicates that the average sentence for tax fraud offenders Nationwide is 16 months, with approximately 66% of defendants receiving prison time. Sentences can be higher when sophisticated methods are used or when defendants hold leadership roles. The prosecution for this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Caryn Finley.
Background of Michael A. Kahn
Michael Kahn, 65, is a well-known figure in Charlotte. He brought the Charlotte Checkers hockey team to the city in 2006. He maintained ownership of the team until 2024, when he sold a majority stake to Zawyer Sports & Entertainment, though he remained the largest minority partner. Beyond his involvement with the Checkers and the Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation, Kahn is also listed as a senior vice president for Empire Distributors, a family-owned company specializing in wine and spirits. The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina, Russ Ferguson, emphasized that this indictment serves as a warning, indicating that authorities will pursue individuals who attempt to evade taxes, regardless of their resources or perceived ability to outsmart the Internal Revenue Service. As the legal process unfolds, Kahn is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Michael A. Kahn?
Michael A. Kahn is the 65-year-old former owner of the Charlotte Checkers and the founder of the Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation.
What charges does Michael A. Kahn face?
He faces four federal tax fraud charges: two counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return and two counts of failing to file a tax return.
When was Michael A. Kahn indicted?
The indictment against Michael A. Kahn was unsealed on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
What are the allegations against Michael A. Kahn?
Prosecutors allege that between 2020 and 2023, Kahn transferred over $4.5 million from the Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation to himself and failed to report this money as income on his 2020 and 2021 tax returns. He is also accused of not filing tax returns for 2022 and 2023.
What are the potential penalties for these charges?
If convicted, each count of aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return carries a potential prison sentence of up to three years, and each count of failing to file a tax return carries up to one year in prison. Federal tax evasion (Nationwide) can lead to up to five years in prison and fines up to $100,000 for individuals. Willful failures to file, pay, or maintain adequate records (Nationwide) may result in up to one year in prison and fines up to $25,000 for individuals.
What is the average sentence for tax fraud offenders Nationwide?
The average sentence for tax fraud offenders Nationwide is 16 months, with approximately 66% of defendants receiving prison time.
What is Michael A. Kahn’s current legal status?
Michael A. Kahn pleaded not guilty and was released on bond after being ordered to surrender his passport. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Details of the Federal Tax Fraud Indictment
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Individual Indicted | Michael A. Kahn, 65 years old |
| Former Affiliation | Former owner of the Charlotte Checkers |
| Nature of Charges | Federal tax fraud |
| Number of Charges | Four (two counts of aiding and assisting in preparation of false tax return, two counts of failing to file a tax return) |
| Alleged Funds Diverted | Over $4.5 million from the Michael A. Kahn Family Foundation |
| Period of Allegations | 2020 to 2023 for transfers, 2020, 2021 (false returns), 2022, 2023 (failure to file) |
| Plea | Not guilty |
| Current Status | Released on bond, ordered to surrender passport |
| Maximum Prison Sentence (False Return) | Up to 3 years per count |
| Maximum Prison Sentence (Failure to File) | Up to 1 year per count |
| General Tax Evasion Penalties (Nationwide) | Up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $100,000 for individuals |
| Average Tax Fraud Sentence (Nationwide) | 16 months |
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