Cryptocurrency, also known as digital currency, is booming. This relatively new form of currency provides a unique issue for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). But the IRS is learning. It is figuring out the best way to track down these accounts and hold taxpayers who may attempt to thwart their […]
Category: Tax Crimes
The Tax Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is attempting to increase its efficiency. One way it may attempt to reach this goal: increasing requests for a crime-fraud exception. What is a crime-fraud exception? Individuals or entities that establish an attorney-client privilege with legal counsel have the right to […]
Tax crimes can come with serious consequences. A recent case provides an example. The case involves government allegations an attorney committed tax evasion. After facing the allegations and reviewing the case, the attorney chose to agree to a plea deal. What were the accusations? The prosecution accused the attorney of failing to […]
Cybercrime is problem tax professionals must face on a daily basis. Tens of thousands of taxpayers are at risk of identity theft due to information stolen by cybercriminals from tax professionals. In an effort to reduce this risk, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently reminded tax professionals to promptly report […]
The sunset of the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program (OVDP) in September of 2018 left many taxpayers wondering how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would handle future disclosures. Would the IRS choose to renew the program? Would another take its place? The agency recently provided some guidance. Can taxpayers voluntarily come into […]
The United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently charged a tax preparation professional with 18 counts of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns. These charges were based on allegations the man filed fraudulent tax returns over a span of four tax years, from […]
The Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) General Crimes Unit recently conducted an investigation of a tax preparation professional accused of using her client’s information to perpetuate a fraudulent tax scheme. The agency accused the tax professional of filing false tax returns and stealing the identities of former clients for her own […]
The United States Attorney’s Office recently accused a former special agent with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation Division with various tax crimes. According to the government, the former agent thwarted tax obligations by using a number of different illegal methods to reduce her tax bill. Her alleged wrongdoing included: Deductions. The […]
The government has accused Paul Manafort, former campaign chairman for President Donald Trump, of various tax crimes. The accusations include 18 counts of tax evasion, bank fraud and failure to report foreign assets. The case has garnered media attention due to its connection to Robert Mueller’s investigation of allegations of […]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recently concluded an investigation of a tax preparation professional. The investigation resulted in various allegations, including violation of the professional rules of conduct. More specifically, the agency accused the tax practitioner of violating Treasury Department Circular No. 230. The government does not allow tax practitioners to use […]