A prominent Twin Cities real estate agent, Kevin Mullen, 42, of Wayzata, now faces 10 felony charges related to an alleged pattern of tax evasion. Prosecutors claim Mullen knowingly failed to file and pay his taxes for multiple years, amassing a significant tax deficiency.
Key Takeaways
- Kevin Mullen, 42, faces 10 felony tax charges.
- The alleged tax deficiency totals nearly $400,000 from 2019-2023.
- Mullen is accused of failing to file and pay taxes since 2008.
- He has closed over $100 million in high-end property sales since 2021.
Details of the Charges
The charges, filed in Hennepin County District Court, include five counts of failing to file tax returns and five counts of failing to pay taxes. These allegations cover the period from 2019 to 2023. During this time, the Hennepin County Attorney's Office states that Mullen accrued a tax deficiency of $397,647.
This figure does not account for additional penalties and interest that could be applied. While Minnesota's statute of limitations limits prosecution to crimes dating back to 2019, investigators indicate that Mullen's tax evasion may extend as far back as 2008.
Tax Deficiency Snapshot
- Total Alleged Deficiency (2019-2023): $397,647
- Charges Filed: 10 felony counts (5 for failure to file, 5 for failure to pay)
- Earliest Alleged Evasion: 2008
Investigation and Response
The Minnesota Department of Revenue initiated its investigation after discovering Mullen had not filed income tax returns since 2012. Mullen reportedly became aware of the investigation in December 2024. In February, he filed his tax returns for the years in question.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized the importance of prosecuting such cases.
"Prosecution deters tax fraud and makes clear that the victim of tax fraud is not the government — our communities pay the price," Moriarty stated.
Mullen's attorney, Tom Brever, acknowledged the seriousness of the charges. He mentioned that his client is awaiting further information on the allegations. Mullen is scheduled for a first court appearance in November. Brever also noted that Mullen sought his assistance a year ago to address his tax situation.
Mullen's Real Estate Career
Kevin Mullen has a significant presence in the Twin Cities real estate market. Since 2021, he has reportedly closed more than $100 million in sales of high-end properties. His involvement includes being a key agent for Eleven, a luxury riverfront condominium project in downtown Minneapolis.
Eleven, which launched sales in 2022, is recognized as the tallest residential tower in the city. Real estate records indicate substantial sales figures attributed to Mullen:
- 2021: At least $20.4 million in sales
- 2022: $24.2 million in sales
- 2023: $38.3 million in sales
- 2024: $14.6 million in sales
- 2025 (so far): $4.4 million in sales
Business Structure and Income
Mullen earned his real estate commissions through a pass-through entity. This means his business earnings and losses were reported as personal income. Prosecutors allege he also failed to file corporate tax returns.
A tax specialist reviewed Mullen's returns, finding his annual income varied greatly from 2019-2023, ranging from $182,000 to $2.4 million.
Prior Communications and Mortgage Records
The Department of Revenue's investigation found that Mullen had communicated with them multiple times in the past regarding his tax liability. Records show calls in 2012, 2013, and 2017. In 2017, he reportedly indicated he was in the process of filing returns for several years, including 2008-2011 and 2013-2016. However, the charges allege that none of those returns were ever filed.
Investigators also examined documents related to a $1.5 million mortgage loan Mullen and his wife secured in 2021 for a Wayzata home, which sold for $1.76 million. The mortgage file included two "comfort letters," which typically verify self-employment status for small-business owners. These letters were supposedly from "the CPA for Kevin Mullen."
The CPA identified in the letters told investigators that he was a business associate of Mullen's and believed he had a verbal agreement to serve as Mullen's CPA, but he never performed tax work for him. The accountant admitted drafting one comfort letter but could not recall the second. Text messages from September 2021 show Mullen expressing excitement about working with the accountant and planning to send documents in October, after which the CPA reported no further contact.
Acknowledging the Situation
When an investigator from the Department of Revenue contacted Mullen in December, he reportedly acknowledged his failure to file tax returns. He stated he needed to "hit this thing completely head-on" and "get organized and get back on track."
Mullen was recognized as one of the top 100 real estate agents in Minnesota last year by RealTrends, a ranking based on voluntarily reported sales numbers. His current website promotes listings over $1.6 million and describes him as "uniquely informed about the complex markets he serves... and always thinking ahead." It also mentions that "leaders in the Twin Cities business world" consider him a discreet agent.
