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Feds Warn They Are Cracking Down On Local Tax Fraud
February 28, 2014
United States Attorney Pamela C. Marsh and Special Agent in Charge James D. Robnett of the Tampa Field Office of Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation jointly announced Thursday their increased local efforts to enforce federal income tax laws as the tax-filing season is underway.
From Pensacola to Gainesville, legal actions for violations of tax and monetary laws have surged. Recent trials found two guilty in Panama City of more than $500,000 in stolen identity refund fraud; six defendants throughout the district pleaded guilty in separate cases involving more than $3 million in tax fraud; and judgments of eight defendants in Pensacola, Panama City, and Tallahassee netted sentences ranging from 24 to 78 months, more than $6 million in forfeiture, and an estimated $900,000 in restitution.
These recent activities, along with the indictment of five more individuals, make up part of the increased enforcement efforts over the recent weeks.
“As the number of crooks willing to steal identities and tax dollars has grown, so has our ability to track, investigate, arrest, and prosecute these cases. We will pursue criminal prosecutions of all who engage in these illegal activities, with intensity,” Marsh said. “Further, to those who contemplate filing fraudulent tax returns, the recent sentences handed down by our courts should serve as a warning that offenders face serious punishment. Honest, hardworking taxpayers are entitled to this protection by law enforcement. We are ready for tax season.”
“Our office, in partnership with prosecutors and law enforcement officers throughout the state, will dedicate the necessary resources to make an impact in the fight against fraud. You, the taxpaying members of the public, should have confidence that those who do not pay their fair share of taxes, and who steal your hard earned money, will be held accountable,” said Robnett.
Comments
6 Responses to “Feds Warn They Are Cracking Down On Local Tax Fraud”
Mr. Fred,
Congress writes tax laws, but it’s the job of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to implement them. In other words, Congress set the rules, but the IRS has to explain how those rules are applied in different situations.
Is this the same agency who targeted political groups who didn’t bow to their agenda? Just checking!
Yeah, Ben, you’re right. When the IRS writes those tax laws, they should think more about the middle class. I understand how Congress gets so upset, and I’m sure they wish they could do more about the laws and how they are administered.
Amen Ben!!
It just sounds funny when the IRS talks about those that steal your hard earned money being held accountable.
Falsely claiming dependents is a federal offense and only a real idiot would commit such a foolish act.
You will be discovered and prosecuted.