Although the term may have a negative connotation, a tax shelter is, strictly speaking, not always illegal or bad.
Famous New York electronics store sued for sales tax evasion
A famous photo, video and electronics store that is well-known as a Manhattan institution, B&H Foto & Electronics Corp, is now facing a lawsuit filed by the New York state Attorney General. The suit alleges that the store has been evading sales tax for years and owes the state's treasury over $7 million. The case illustrates how complicated sales tax civil litigation can, as the business and the government have two very different opinions about the case.
Reality stars reach civil settlement with state collectors
This blog recently reported on the fact that two famous real estate professionals and reality stars were facing federal tax evasion charges which they adamantly denied. Their case with the federal government remains pending.
Reality star indictment illustrates important lessons
Two reality starts that might be familiar names to residents of the Chicago area are now facing federal allegations of tax evasion and other federal charges. The couple has said that they are innocent of the criminal charges and have publicly blamed a former employee of theirs for the charges.
Employment and offshore tax issues remain high IRS priorities
As is the case across the federal government, funding cuts have meant fewer agents in charge of pursuing criminal tax litigation in cooperation with federal prosecutors.
Penalties for tax evasion are wide-ranging
As this post has discussed before, a New Yorker can wind up in federal prison for tax evasion. Specifically, after a conviction for tax evasion, a court can order the guilty party to spend up to five years behind bars.
The next big tax battleground could be art, real estate
According to a report from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, many people may be moving to foreign real estate investments and even investments in artwork and other collectibles as a way of avoiding their tax obligations.
Are offshore accounts legal?
A previous post on this blog talked about how a family of prominent New Yorkers must now serve a few months in federal prison for their role in a fraudulent tax scheme. The scheme involved an offshore account from which the family would withdraw money under the table into their personal accounts without paying applicable taxes.
New York siblings face prison in tax evasion scheme
Following their guilty pleas, a federal judge informed four siblings in the New York area that they will have to serve a few months in federal prison. Additionally, they owe about $4 million in back taxes and penalties. They will have to pay this as part of their restitution in the criminal case.
Tax issues can lead to complicated criminal and civil litigation
The Internal Revenue Service is one of the most dreaded of all public institutions in America. When the IRS comes calling for civil tax concerns -- usually with a letter sent via regular US mail - a person's heart can sink. Were taxes left unpaid?
