July 16, 2013 — Because tax fraud is so costly, the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 created the IRS Whistleblower Office to provide a mechanism for responding to whistleblower tips about financial crimes involving tax fraud. Informants who collaborate with the IRS by sharing unique information about tax fraud can find themselves eligible for a monetary reward depending on several factors. Financial rewards range from 15 to 30 percent of the total recovered by the IRS.
Alabama Man Guilty of Tax Fraud, Identity Theft, Embezzlement
Alabama resident Vernon Harrison has been found guilty of conspiring to file false claims, mail fraud, aggravated identity theft, and embezzlement from the U.S. mail, according to the Justice Department. Mr. Harrison was a mail carrier who participated in a stolen identity refund fraud conspiracy. The stolen identities were used to file fraudulent tax returns. The refunds were then mailed on debit cards to various addresses along Mr. Harrison’s route, and he would steal the cards from the mail to pass to his co-conspirators. Mr. Harrison received cash for the 100 or more debit cards he stole from the U.S. mail.
Upon sentencing, Mr. Harrison could face as much as 216 years in prison on the combined counts. He could also be subject to forfeiture, restitution, and fines.
Insiders Blow the Whistle on Tax Fraud
Conspiracies like this one are costly and very harmful to those affected. Insiders can stop tax fraud when they notify the IRS and become a government informant. Before contacting the IRS, however, tipsters should speak with an experienced lawyer to find out how the process works. Waters & Kraus’ financial fraud attorneys offer whistleblowers the legal counsel they need and deserve. Contact us by email or phone our attorneys at 855.784.0268 to learn how we can help you through in the process and protect your rights.
