“We're in the early stages of our work to crack down on offshore tax evasion. Through our efforts, we are gaining access to more and more information on institutions and individuals involved in offshore tax evasion, and you can expect us to use all of our enforcement tools to stop this abuse. For people with hidden offshore assets, they have an opportunity to get right with the government. Time is quickly running out, and people should take advantage of our voluntary disclosure process before special provisions expire September 23.”
– IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman

In the last few months, much has been said about reporting foreign financial accounts. Rarely a day goes by without a new article (or new rumor, for that matter) regarding who is required to file and what we’re required to report. The government has put in place a voluntary disclosure program, but many are unsure whether they should come forward and subject themselves to stiff penalties.

In this sea of confusion, it is not surprising that many are tempted to forego reporting. However, inaction could lead to stiffer penalties or, in the worst cases, jail time.

Whether you are a taxpayer who wishes to make a voluntary disclosure or has been summoned by the IRS for tax evasion, or you are an attorney representing a client who has tax issues that are either criminal or civil, you will most likely need the assistance of forensic and investigative accountants who are versed in federal, state, local, and international tax issues. This is what Holtz Rubenstein Reminick’s Tax Advocacy Group is all about.

The Group, consisting of former law enforcement personnel and IRS agents, and with the support of a tax department of 60 professionals, routinely assists taxpayers and their attorneys with a myriad of criminal or civil tax issues:

Criminal – assistance in dealing with law enforcement

• Tax evasion
• Failure to collect or pay tax
• Failure to file tax returns
• Filing false returns
• Klein conspiracy (conspiracy to evade income tax)
• Foreign bank account reporting requirements (FBARs) & omitted income from foreign accounts

Civil – assistance with audits

• Improper deductions
• Penalty issues
• Eggshell audits (audits that could turn into criminal investigations)
• Preparation of amended returns

If you need an advocate to help you address your tax issues, look no further than Holtz Rubenstein Reminick.

Joel R. Podgor, CPA/CFF, CFE
Partner
Tel: 212.697.6900
Podgor@hrrllp.com