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Internal Revenue Service

TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account
TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account Jack Griffin told the world he was building the future of farming. He gave a TEDx Talk. He stood before Congress. He promised to wipe out food deserts with high-tech vertical farms that could grow strawberries on a second floor and turn kale into jet fuel. But federal investigators say Griffin was really just pocketing. And now he’s headed to prison, the FBI announced on Monday, Feb. 2. The Sentence Jack Frances “Jack” Griffin, 62, of Philadelphia, faced up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge and five years for tax evasion. His sentencing was originally scheduled for Oct. 22,…
‘The Magician’ Tax Preparer From Cortlandt Manor Behind $145M Scheme To See Jail Time ‘The Magician’ Tax Preparer From Cortlandt Manor Behind $145M Scheme To See Jail Time
‘The Magician’ Tax Preparer From Cortlandt Manor Behind $145M Scheme To See Jail Time A Northern Westchester man known as “The Magician” for slashing clients’ tax bills using fraudulent methods will spend years in federal prison for running one of the largest tax fraud schemes ever prosecuted against a return preparer, federal officials said.  Rafael Alvarez, 61, of Cortlandt Manor, was sentenced on Thursday, May 29 in Manhattan federal court to four years in prison for orchestrating a decade-long scheme that cost the IRS $145 million in lost tax revenue, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced.  In addition to prison, Alvarez was s…
IRS May Withdraw Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status As Fight Between Trump, University Escalates IRS May Withdraw Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status As Fight Between Trump, University Escalates
IRS May Withdraw Harvard's Tax-Exempt Status As Fight Between Trump, University Escalates The Trump administration is weighing whether to revoke Harvard University’s tax-exempt status—an unprecedented and aggressive move that has escalated tensions between the Ivy League institution and the federal government, according to reports from The Washington Post and CNN. According to two people familiar with the matter, the Internal Revenue Service is preparing to rescind Harvard’s long-standing nonprofit designation, CNN reported. A final decision could be announced soon. Related: Obama Calls Out Trump Over "Unlawful" $2 Billion Cuts to Harvard The effort follows the White House’s …
IRS Warns Of Bogus Refund Schemes: Here's What To Know IRS Warns Of Bogus Refund Schemes: Here's What To Know
IRS Warns Of Bogus Refund Schemes: Here's What To Know A new tax-season scam circulating online is encouraging people to falsify wage information on federal tax returns in an attempt to score large refunds — sometimes in the five-figure range. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has issued a consumer alert warning taxpayers not to fall for the scheme, which involves manually entering made-up income and tax withholding figures on Form W-2, the Wage and Tax Statement. In some cases, scammers even urge users to invent an employer altogether.  The goal is to trick the system into issuing inflated refunds based on the false data. The IRS says i…
New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS
New Scam Involving Fraudulent Texts Impersonates IRS A new scam involves unsolicited text messages impersonating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the agency says. The fraudulent messages falsely claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 Economic Impact Payment and instruct them to click a deceptive link to "claim" the funds. How The Scam Works Victims receive a text message that appears to be from the IRS, stating they are owed an Economic Impact Payment. The message urges them to provide personal information to process the supposed payment. Scammers promise the money will be deposited into a bank account or mailed as a check within 1-2…
Freeport Tax Preparer Stole $2M Through False Returns, COVID-19 Relief Fraud, DOJ Says Freeport Tax Preparer Stole $2M Through False Returns, COVID-19 Relief Fraud, DOJ Says
Freeport Tax Preparer Stole $2M Through False Returns, Covid-19 Relief Fraud, DOJ Says A Long Island tax preparer is facing federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a massive $12 million fraud scheme.  Damaris Beltre, 57, of Freeport, was indicted on wire fraud and related charges in Central Islip federal court on Wednesday, March 12, after filing hundreds of false tax returns and stealing COVID-19 relief funds, prosecutors alleged. Beltre ran multiple tax preparation businesses where she falsely inflated tax refunds for clients, claiming fake dependents, fraudulent sick leave, and fuel tax credits, according to prosecutors. She allegedly charged a percentage of …
Some Americans Must File Tax Returns In March: Here's Who, Why Some Americans Must File Tax Returns In March: Here's Who, Why
Some Americans Must File Tax Returns In March: Here's Who, Why The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has alerted some American workers that they face an early tax deadline.  Those in the group who did not make estimated tax payments by Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, must file their 2024 federal income tax returns and pay any taxes owed by Monday, March 3, 2025.  Due to the deadline falling on a Saturday, it has been extended from the usual Saturday, March 1, to Monday, March 3. Details of the Early Deadline Farmers and fishers who qualify for this special deadline are those who derived at least two-thirds of their gross income from their respective…
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know A new scam is making the rounds, with fraudsters posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and sending text messages promising a substantial rebate.  The trap is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal and financial information. What’s Happening? The fraudulent messages claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, directing them to click on a fake link to “claim” their payment.  How The Scam Works You receive a text message appearing to be from the IRS, stating that you’re owed an Economic Impact Payment and must provide personal information …
Can IRS Layoffs Affect Your Tax Refund? Here's What To Know Can IRS Layoffs Affect Your Tax Refund? Here's What To Know
Can IRS Layoffs Affect Your Tax Refund? Here's What To Know With layoffs affecting as many as 6,000 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) workers reportedly underway, anxiety has heightened for Americans eager to receive refunds near the midway point of tax filing season. Approximately 140 million returns are expected to be filed by the Tuesday, April 15 deadline. Last year, around two-thirds of taxpayers received refunds, averaging about $3,100, according to IRS data. The IRS opened the 2025 tax filing season on Monday, Jan. 27.  For many households, a tax refund can be the largest annual payment they receive all year, and it's often used to pay off…
Thousands Of IRS Workers Expected To Be Fired Just Weeks After Tax Filing Season Starts Thousands Of IRS Workers Expected To Be Fired Just Weeks After Tax Filing Season Starts
Thousands Of IRS Workers Expected To Be Fired Just Weeks After Tax Filing Season Starts Thousands of Internal Revenue Service (IRS) employees are expected to be fired by the end of this week just after the start of tax filing season. In a move that has caught many off guard, the layoffs of 6,000 IRS employees are expected to begin this Thursday, Feb. 20, according to The New York Times. The decision is part of the Trump administration’s broader strategy to downsize the federal workforce.
 The cuts will primarily affect newer hires at the IRS, which had seen a revitalization effort under the Biden administration with increased funding and new staff.  However, reports ind…
Trump Taps Former University Of Maryland Professor For Economic Policy Advisor Trump Taps Former University Of Maryland Professor For Economic Policy Advisor
Trump Taps Former University Of Maryland Professor For Economic Policy Advisor Incoming President Donald Trump announced key senior staff appointments to the White House National Economic Council, including a face familiar to some in Maryland. Andrew Lyon, a former University of Maryland economics professor with decades of experience in government and private sector roles, has been tapped by Trump to serve as Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy. Lyon, who previously served under two Republican administrations, will focus primarily on tax policy in his new role, the Trump team announced this week. The seasoned economist has an impressive resume…
Fairfield Attorney Stole $7.4M Over Decade During His Time As Banks' Lead Counsel: Feds Fairfield Attorney Stole $7.4M Over Decade During His Time As Banks' Lead Counsel: Feds
Fairfield Attorney Stole $7.4M Over Decade During His Time As Banks' Lead Counsel: Feds A Connecticut man who held powerful positions at several banks, including General Counsel and Executive Vice President, faces up to 30 years in prison for orchestrating a decade-long embezzlement scheme that defrauded his employers of more than $7 million, federal authorities said.  James Blose, 56, waived indictment and pleaded guilty in New Haven federal court to bank fraud and illegal monetary transactions on Friday, Dec. 20, per the US Attorney for Connecticut. His actions, spanning from 2013 to 2023, were uncovered after an extensive investigation by federal authorities, inclu…
$145M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds $145M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds
$145M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Admits To One Of Largest Ever Frauds A Northern Westchester man who earned the nickname “The Magician” for his ability to slash tax bills has pleaded guilty to orchestrating a massive $145 million fraud scheme that spanned a decade, federal officials announced. Rafael Alvarez, age 61, of Cortlandt Manor, entered the plea in Manhattan federal court on Tuesday, Dec. 17, after being charged with conspiracy to defraud the US and aiding the preparation of false tax returns, according to Edward Y. Kim, Acting US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  Alvarez, the CEO and owner of ATAX, a Bronx-based tax preparation bu…
Bank Manager From Pine Bush Sentenced For Hiring A Hitman To Murder Brother-In-Law Bank Manager From Pine Bush Sentenced For Hiring A Hitman To Murder Brother-In-Law
Bank Manager From Pine Bush Sentenced For Hiring A Hitman To Murder Brother-In-Law A Hudson Valley bank manager is headed for federal prison after pleading guilty to plotting to hire a hitman to murder her own brother-in-law. Orange County resident Reshma Massarone, age 40, of Pine Bush, a hamlet of Crawford, was sentenced to 9.5 years in prison and three years of post-release supervision on Wednesday, Aug. 28, said Damian Williams, US Attorney for the Southern District of New York.  “The defendant devised a chilling plan to have a member of her own family murdered for the low price of ten thousand dollars," said Williams. "Her plan was unthinkably heartless. For th…
CPA Firefighting Hero From Bergen Admits Role In $650,000 Tax Dodge CPA Firefighting Hero From Bergen Admits Role In $650,000 Tax Dodge
CPA Firefighting Hero From Bergen Admits Role In $650,000 Tax Dodge 𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: A decorated veteran Bergen County firefighter admitted in federal court on Wednesday that he and his business partner conducted a blatant tax dodge on behalf of a bunch of construction companies that employed their New York accounting firm. Jack N. Sardis, 66, of Englewood Cliffs admitted that he schemed to con the IRS with his partner, George Sanossian, 70, of Scarsdale, out of a small CPA office in a massive Westchester County shopping center. Sardis also offered to do business elsewhere, telling one client "I can meet you at my firehouse,” according to an IRS complaint. The clie…
$100M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Nabbed In One Of Largest Ever Frauds $100M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Nabbed In One Of Largest Ever Frauds
$100M Scheme: Cortlandt Manor Man Known As 'Magician' Nabbed In One Of Largest Ever Frauds A New York man known as "the Magician" has been charged in connection with one of the largest-ever tax fraud schemes by a tax preparer, federal officials announced. Northern Westchester County resident Rafael Alvarez, of Cortlandt Manor, has been charged in connection with a $100 million tax fraud scheme involving tens of thousands of federal individual income tax returns with false information, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced on Monday, April 15.  According to federal officials, from 2010 to 2020, Alvarez, also known as "the Magi…
Darien Resident's IRS Payments Stolen Out Mailbox, Cashed By Thief, Police Say Darien Resident's IRS Payments Stolen Out Mailbox, Cashed By Thief, Police Say
Darien Resident's IRS Payments Stolen Out Mailbox, Cashed By Thief, Police Say A Fairfield County resident who mailed two checks to pay his taxes was surprised when he received word from the Internal Revenue Service about non-payment of his bill. The Darien resident then contacted the police in May 2023, who found that someone had stolen his checks out of his mailbox and cashed them with another name on the payee line. An investigation led Darien Police to the Morris County Correctional Center in New Jersey to arrest David Velazquez, age 28, of Warren, New Jersey. According to Darien Police Sgt. Dan Skoumbros, Velazquz had allegedly taken the checks out of the m…
Long Island Business Owner Sentenced For Hiding Income, 'Off-Books' Payrolls, More Long Island Business Owner Sentenced For Hiding Income, 'Off-Books' Payrolls, More
Long Island Business Owner Sentenced For Hiding Income, 'Off-Books' Payrolls, More A Long Island woman must pay hundreds of thousands of dollars of restitution and spend over two years behind bars after she filed false tax returns, hid money from the government, and more, officials said. Lorraine Pilitz, age 65 of Merrick, received her 33-month sentence and orders for restitution on Friday, Jan. 19, the United States Attorney’s Office Eastern District of New York announced. Pilitz was the owner and operator of several car-related businesses on Long Island at the time of the crimes, which happened between 2011 and 2013, the USAO said. The IRS requires that financial in…
Hudson Valley Man Gets Jail Time For Stealing $500K From Retirement Accounts Hudson Valley Man Gets Jail Time For Stealing $500K From Retirement Accounts
Hudson Valley Man Gets Jail Time For Stealing $500K From Retirement Accounts A former financial advisor from the Hudson Valley will spend years in prison for his role in a scheme to steal from a retirement fund sponsored by a labor union for law enforcement employees. Putnam County resident Andrew Brown, age 56, of Putnam Valley, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for defrauding members of the Law Enforcement Employees Benevolent Association (LEEBA), a labor union for law enforcement officers employed by New York City, the US Attorney's Office for Southern District of New York announced on Wednesday, Jan. 17.  Earlier Report - $500K Scheme: Putnam Vall…
$600K Fraud: CT Tax Preparer Gets Prison Time For Including Fake Expenses In Returns $600K Fraud: CT Tax Preparer Gets Prison Time For Including Fake Expenses In Returns
$600K Fraud: CT Tax Preparer Gets Prison Time For Including Fake Expenses In Returns A Connecticut man will spend years in prison for including false expenses on income tax returns for clients, federal officials announced.  David Etienne, a 49-year-old New London County tax return preparer based in Norwich, was sentenced to two years in prison on Wednesday, Jan. 17 for a tax fraud offense, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced.  According to federal officials, Etienne worked through several businesses, including Los Maestros Inc., Los Maestros Group, Tax Experts USA, and Tax Experts USA Inc. Between the 2012 and 2021 tax…
CT Accountant Steals $25K From Client, Police Say CT Accountant Steals $25K From Client, Police Say
CT Accountant Steals $25K From Client, Police Say A Connecticut accountant faces larceny charges after stealing $25,000 from one of his clients, police announced. Carl Anderson, who owns Anderson Accounting and Finance LLC, was arrested in Litchfield County by New Milford Police on Friday, Dec. 22 following a lengthy investigation, the department announced on Wednesday, Dec. 27.  The investigation, conducted by New Milford Police, the Internal Revenue Service, and the Connecticut Department of Banking, determined that Anderson stole $25,000 from one of his clients, according to authorities.  Following his arrest, Anderson was ch…
$2M NJ Scammer Who Claimed Dead People As Biz Partners Gets 3 Years, No Parole $2M NJ Scammer Who Claimed Dead People As Biz Partners Gets 3 Years, No Parole
$2M NJ Scammer Who Claimed Dead People As Biz Partners Gets 3 Years, No Parole UPDATE: A scammer from Sussex County who fraudulently collected more than $2 million in federal funds by identifying people who'd been dead for more than a decade as business partners must spend the next three years in federal prison. John Jhong, 54, of Sparta, actually submitted bogus applications for more than $15 million in federal pandemic aid earmarked to help struggling companies during COVID-19, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said. Jhong "turned these vital relief programs into his personal ATM," spending the more than $2 million he illegally collected on personal expenses, the U.…
Wilton Contractor Admits To Tax Offense: Provided False Invoices To IRS Wilton Contractor Admits To Tax Offense: Provided False Invoices To IRS
Wilton Contractor Admits To Tax Offense: Provided False Invoices To IRS A contractor from Fairfield County faces prison time after admitting to providing fabricated invoices and letters to the Internal Revenue Service, federal officials announced.  Wilton resident David Anspach, age 67, pleaded guilty to a tax offense in Hartford federal court on Wednesday, Nov. 15, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced.  According to federal officials, Anspach operates a construction and remodeling business. As a result of a civil audit of Anspach's 2013 tax return, the IRS found that his business receipts were un…
TAX CHEAT: Owner Of NJ Construction, Real Estate Companies Admits Stiffing IRS By $236,000 TAX CHEAT: Owner Of NJ Construction, Real Estate Companies Admits Stiffing IRS By $236,000
TAX Cheat: Owner Of NJ Construction, Real Estate Companies Admits Stiffing IRS By $236,000 The owner of New Jersey construction and real estate companies admitted ducking $239,999 worth of federal income taxes, authorities said. Salvatore Caravella, Jr. of Kinnelon didn't report $692,185 in self-employment income he earned from his businesses on his personal tax returns, a complaint filed by the Internal Revenue Service says. Caravella's companies included 2-C Construction Company Inc., Bella Construction of North Jersey LLC and 203 Harrison Street LLC, according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Newark. Caravella oversaw all aspects of the businesses’ operat…
CT Man Gets Prison Time For Tax Evasion: Ordered To Pay Over $160K To IRS CT Man Gets Prison Time For Tax Evasion: Ordered To Pay Over $160K To IRS
CT Man Gets Prison Time For Tax Evasion: Ordered To Pay Over $160K To IRS A 61-year-old Connecticut man will spend time in prison for filing a false tax return and providing false documentation to an Internal Revenue Service attorney, federal officials announced.  Tolland County resident David Kamal, age 61, of Stafford, was sentenced on Monday, Sept. 11 to eight months in prison for tax evasion, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced.  Earlier Report - CT Man Charged With Tax Fraud, Obstruction, ID Theft Offenses According to federal officials, Kamal, a former Hebron resident, purposefully evaded taxes for the 2012 tax…
$500K Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Stole From Retirement Accounts $500K Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Stole From Retirement Accounts
$500K Scheme: Hudson Valley Man Stole From Retirement Accounts A former financial advisor from the Hudson Valley has been convicted of participating in a scheme to steal from a retirement fund sponsored by a labor union for law enforcement employees.  Putnam County resident Andrew Brown, age 55, of Putnam Valley, was convicted of defrauding members of the Law Enforcement Employees Benevolent Association (LEEBA), a labor union for law enforcement officers employed by New York City, the US Attorney's Office for Southern District of New York announced on Wednesday, May 31.  Brown, along with former LEEBA President and New York State Tr…
Bogus Bean Counter Admits Pilfering $1.5M From Non-Profits In Englewood, JC, Elsewhere In NJ Bogus Bean Counter Admits Pilfering $1.5M From Non-Profits In Englewood, JC, Elsewhere In NJ
Bogus Bean Counter Admits Pilfering $1.5M From Non-Profits In Englewood, JC, Elsewhere In NJ A Hudson County woman admitted posing as a certified public accountant to con more than 100 private schools, religious institutions and other non-profit organizations in New Jersey out of $1.5 million, federal authorities said. Among those scammed by Yezenia Castillo, 46, of Hoboken, were a non-profit corporation dedicated to providing affordable housing to Englewood residents and a private elementary and intermediate school in Jersey City, a complaint on file in U.S. District Court in Newark says. Posing as a CPA, Castillo got hired “to provide various financial and accounting services" th…
Bankruptcy Fraud: Former Attorney From Bronxville Lied To Keep Home, Sports Car, Officials Say Bankruptcy Fraud: Former Attorney From Bronxville Lied To Keep Home, Sports Car, Officials Say
Bankruptcy Fraud: Former Attorney From Bronxville Lied To Keep Home, Sports Car, Officials Say A former attorney from Westchester faces possible prison time after allegedly submitting false bank records to bankruptcy court in an effort to keep his multi-million dollar home and Aston Martin sports car, federal officials said.  Bronxville resident John Roesser, age 52, was arrested on Tuesday morning, March 28 on charges that he allegedly lied to bankruptcy court and the Internal Revenue Service about receiving millions of dollars in order to receive bankruptcy protections while still keeping his assets and not paying his bills, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Souther…
New Canaan Resident Used Investor Funds To Pay Taxes, Credit Card Expenses, Gets Prison Time New Canaan Resident Used Investor Funds To Pay Taxes, Credit Card Expenses, Gets Prison Time
New Canaan Resident Used Investor Funds To Pay Taxes, Credit Card Expenses, Gets Prison Time A current Fairfield County resident formerly from New Haven County will spend years in prison for tax evasion and defrauding investors by using their funds to pay his personal expenses. New Canaan resident Brian Hughes, age 58, formerly of Madison, was sentenced to two and a half years in prison on Monday, March 6 for defrauding investors of two companies, and for tax evasion, the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut announced.  The charges stem back to March of 2015 when Hughes founded Handcrafted Brands, LLC (HBC), in order to raise money to purchase the alcoholi…
$2.1M Scam: Newtown Business Owner Who Served Fairfield County Homeowners Faces Prison Time $2.1M Scam: Newtown Business Owner Who Served Fairfield County Homeowners Faces Prison Time
$2.1M Scam: Newtown Business Owner Who Served Fairfield County Homeowners Faces Prison Time A home renovation business owner from Newtown faces years in prison after admitting to failing to report millions in revenue. Newtown resident Thomas Saint, age 67, admitted to one count of tax evasion in Bridgeport federal court on Wednesday, Feb. 22, according to the US Attorney's Office for the District of Connecticut.  Saint, the sole owner of Tom Saint Painting and Remodeling LLC which provides painting and renovation services to homeowners in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties, admitted to depositing business checks and cash into his personal bank account between …
Fake 'Marine' Who Conned Elderly Bucks Couple For $320K Learns Fate Fake 'Marine' Who Conned Elderly Bucks Couple For $320K Learns Fate
Fake 'Marine' Who Conned Elderly Bucks Couple For $320K Learns Fate The conman who posed as a US Marine Corps veteran to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly couple in Bucks County is going to prison.  Marc Cheeseman, a 50-year-old Silverdale resident, was sentenced to five to seven years in a Pennsylvania state prison in a hearing on Thursday, Jan. 19, District Attorney Matthew Weintraub said in a statement.  Cheeseman previously pleaded guilty in September to several felony theft charges and one misdemeanor count of impersonating a veteran, the DA said.  In court, prosecutors argued that he carried on a yearslong scheme t…