Government warns prosecution of tax violators

U.S. Attorney Robert O’Neill turned over to Historic City News a list of defendants being prosecuted for income tax related crimes, including many unassuming everyday people and some celebrities such as Wesley Trent Snipes — who was found guilty of three counts of willful failure to file a tax return by a federal jury in Ocala.

O’Neill and Linda Osuna, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Field Office in Tampa, would like to encourage the heightened awareness and prudence of filers during the tax season.

Although many Americans are more than three-quarters through the 2011 federal income tax filing season, still many others are preparing to submit their returns by April 18th. While most paid tax return preparers are competent professionals and most citizens seek to honor their tax liabilities, some preparers and filers seek to engage in illegitimate schemes to defraud the government and prepare false returns.

It is imperative that the public understands the potential consequences of such activity. Preparers and filers who willfully prepare and file false returns are subject to civil and criminal penalties, including substantial sanctions, fines and imprisonment.

“Criminal exploitation of the tax system is a serious offense,” said O’Neill. “Honest preparers and citizens need not worry. But, for those seeking to violate their responsibilities through fraud, schemes or scams, we will vigorously prosecute them to the fullest extent that the law allows.”

Wesley Snipes has been ordered to report for service of his three-year term of federal imprisonment after motions for a new trial were denied in his February 2008 conviction following a 14-day trial and three days of deliberation.

“To build faith in our nation’s tax system, honest taxpayers need to be reassured that everyone is paying their fair share,” Osuna said. “With the April 18 tax deadline fast approaching, it is important for people to have confidence that when they pay their taxes, their neighbors and competitors will do the same.”

O’Neill warned that the Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute those who violate our tax system.

“Those Americans who file accurate, honest and timely returns can be assured that the government will hold accountable those who don’t,” Osuna added.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News contributed photograph