The threat of a tax audit is not news to most business owners. While some may be willing to risk the chance of ignoring their tax responsibilities when the outcome is simply fees and financial penalties, that may change when they realize that tax evasion may lead to more than… [Read more]
What is the Difference Between Criminal Tax Evasion and Civil Tax Penalties?
In the eyes of the federal government, there is a vast difference between a criminal tax fraud offense and a civil fraud offense. These differences focus primarily on the different burdens of proofs, penalties, statues of limitations, and defenses available to the taxpayer. For several reasons, often the IRS will… [Read more]
How IRS Criminal Investigations Start
IRS Criminal investigations begin with a suspicion of fraud and violations of: Internal Revenue Code Bank Secrecy Act Money laundering statutes …Among others. When IRS determines there is a case against a violator, they refer it to the Department of Justice. Why IRS Special Agents target a business for investigation… [Read more]
What to do if you are contacted by IRS Criminal or FBI
When IRS or FBI conduct a criminal investigation into a company’s taxes they often show up unannounced at that company’s place of business or, at the home of the company’s controlling partner. In addition to being jarring for the business owner this can result in mistakes being made that are… [Read more]
Uber is being investigated for tax fraud
Al Capone | Leona Helmsley (AKA the Queen of Mean) | Spiro Agnew | Wesley Snipes (He thought he was Blade) The list of deplorable characters brought down for tax fraud may get another famous name… Uber. The notoriously culture-challenged ride-sharing service is being investigated by IRS for tax evasion… [Read more]
Outlandish Tax Cheats
Many taxpayers hedge their bets when filing their tax returns but most of us are careful to pay our fair share and stay on the sunny side of the IRS. Not so for these eight Americans who thought they could get away with cheating IRS. Read on to see how… [Read more]
What to Do if You Think You’re the Target of an IRS Criminal Investigation
Whenever you’re contacted by IRS, the first step any business owner should take is to reach out to a qualified Tax Attorney. There are questions a tax attorney can answer for you such as: What kind of an investigation is being conducted? What information is IRS actually asking for? What… [Read more]
CPAs: How to Protect Yourself If You Suspect Your Client is Under Criminal Investigation
When it comes to financial matters, certified public accountants (CPAs) cannot use ignorance as a defense if their clients’ tax returns are later investigated. This is especially true if those financial matters involve legal issues — as they do if your client happens to engage in fraudulent or criminal activity…. [Read more]
What to Know When Your Client is Facing a Criminal Investigation by the IRS
There are few calls less welcome than a call from the IRS. It could come directly to your accounting office or you might hear from a client after they have been contacted. Either way, you need to take the issue seriously and act carefully because your immediate actions may negatively… [Read more]
