According to multiple news outlets, late last year, the IRS entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). The pact established various protocols that will be employed to facilitate better information sharing between the federal agencies when a whistleblower comes forward to either the IRS or the TTB. This news should remind taxpayers that the IRS does not operate in a silo. If the U.S. government is investigating an individual for a non-tax crime and evidence is discovered that hints at tax fraud or evasion, the IRS will be brought in to investigate.
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Agreement Between IRS and TTB Aims to Increase Tax Law Enforcement
The agreement between the IRS and the TTB is not the first time that the IRS has entered a memorandum of understanding with another government agency. In mid-2019, the IRS entered into an agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to share information to better identify, investigate, and prosecute those who were engaging in tax fraud relating to fuel tax credits. The agreements with the TTB and EPA would have been rarely seen as recently as a few years ago. Although other federal agencies have been referring potential tax-related criminal matters to the IRS for decades, the IRS has been reluctant to share information outside of the bounds of the agency due to privacy rules.
Notice to Taxpayers: The Various Federal Government Agencies Will Work Together to Enforce Tax Law
The takeaway from the IRS and TTB agreement is not necessarily related to the tobacco or excise tax laws that the two agencies will work together to enforce, but instead the growing cooperation between federal government agencies. Many taxpayers who find themselves out of compliance with federal or state tax laws, whether they have not filed a tax return in several years or have take unsupportable positions on their tax returns, are typically only worried about the IRS finding out and taking action. Agreements like the one detailed above evidence the various federal government agency’s developing propensity to work together to catch those involved in tax-related crimes.
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If you are out of compliance with tax law, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney. You and your tax defense lawyer will work together to establish the facts and a roadmap to help traverse the taxpayer coming back into compliance. In nearly every case, it is more beneficial for a taxpayer to get out in front of a tax compliance issue, rather than waiting for the IRS to examine or investigate the matter.
Contact an Experienced Tax Attorney Today
The tax and accounting professionals at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing have extensive experience representing a diverse group of taxpayers. From individuals to middle market businesses and beyond, our team of zealous advocates will assist in the development of a strategy to help you reach your specific goals and objectives. Whether you are under a tax examination or are in need of tax planning advice, contact the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing today, online or by phone at (800) 681-1295, for a reduced-rate consultation.
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