IRS Criminal Investigation Issues Annual Report: 18% Gain in Prosecutions and Convictions Rose More Than 25% Compared to the Prior Year

by Harry Galstian

February 28, 2014

Criminal Investigation recommended 4,364 cases for prosecution in 2013. Direct Tax Relief assists clients to avoid mistakes that lead to criminal investigation and possible prosecution by giving them valid professional advice and guidance so they handle their taxes the correct legal way

It was announced by the Internal Revenue Service on February 24, 2014 (IR-2014-18) that the Criminal Investigation Division (CI) has released its Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2013 (IRS-CI Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Business Report).

Among the accomplishments listed by CI in the report are a 12.5% increase in investigations in Fiscal Year 2013 and a nearly 18 percent gain in prosecution recommendations compared to the prior year (IR-2014-18).

For the Fiscal Year, 2013 CI initiated 5,314 cases and recommended 4,364 cases for prosecution (IRS-CI Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Business Report – page 2).

“There are generally speaking,” noted Direct Tax Relief’s senior enrolled agent, Maurice Rosaler, a former IRS revenue officer and group manager who has been doing tax resolution for over 26 years, “two ways the government treats tax issues. One is administrative such as audits and collection actions like levies and seizures which are pretty bad in of themselves but the other is criminal which involves CI and criminal prosecution and possible convictions and actual jail time.”

“At Direct Tax Relief,” Rosaler pointed out, “we assist people every day with the administrative aspect of tax relief such as Offer in Compromise, audit defense and audit reconsideration, levy release, installment plans, penalty abatement, etc. but we can also help people avoid criminal investigation by giving them valid professional advice and guidance so they handle their taxes the correct legal way.”

The CI report noted that convictions rose more than 25 percent compared to the prior year (IR-2014-18).

“The CI report,” Rosaler said, “on page two lists that the conviction rate for fiscal 2013 was 93 percent. That is an amazing number. I can tell you from dealing with CI as a revenue officer with the IRS and later as an enrolled agent that CI prides itself on its investigative skills and high convention rate. They are not an agency any taxpayer wants to deal with.”

“Put it this way,” the former revenue officer and group manager added, “if you do something that brings you under the microscope by CI then there is over a 9 out of ten chance you’re going to be found guilty and deal with the repercussions of your actions, most likely including time in prison.”

“Why take on odds like that,” Rosaler asked, “it makes no sense. The best way to avoid CI is not to take any actions that do not follow the tax code. And the best way to do that is to get professional advice by looking for and retaining a trusted tax relief firm with attorneys and enrolled agents as well as registered tax preparers who specialize in this field of tax resolution and who know the laws and regulations and tax code. Look for an authentic tax relief company like Direct Tax Relief  which is listed with the BBB with an A rating and zero complaints.”

“Our cases involved individuals and corporations from all segments of society,” said Richard Weber, Chief of CI (IR-2014-18).

“So that means,” Rosaler, Direct Tax Relief’s senior enrolled agent said, “you are bucking the odds no matter which you are, individual or a business if you follow the wrong advice.”

“The trend as indicated in the report (IRS-CI Fiscal Year 2013 Annual Business Report),” Rosaler continued, “is that CI is on the march. 12.5% increase in investigations, etc. so if the advice you get sounds illegal or too good to be true then you better protect yourself and consult with a legitimate tax professional.”

“It’s simple,” the former IRS agent concluded, “avoid CI with their 93% success rate by not breaking the law, and if you’re not sure what to do then get good solid and legal tax advice and tax preparation from a reputable tax resolution firm like Direct Tax Relief.”

If you owe more than $10,000 in back taxes, Direct Tax Relief has extensive experience as a tax relief resolution company and has represented numerous clients since 2007 providing professional legal tax advice to resolve tax matters including Offer in Compromise, levy, and garnishment release, appeal penalties, and establishing minimal payment plans to the government.

Sources:

  • https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-criminal-investigation-issues-annual-report
  • https://www.irs.gov/pub/foia/ig/ci/REPORT-fy2013-ci-annual-report-02-14-2014.pdf