Christopher Dowtin obtained Treasury checks meant for two businesses after false changes to their IRS account information. I follow the forms, the returned and reissued checks, and the brokerage-office encounter that led to a three-year…
The Godfather’s Other Ledger
Iris Rabaya Au set up companies and bank accounts used in the operation of a self-styled crypto “Godfather.” After moving more than $2.6 million into her personal accounts without reporting it, she pleaded guilty to…
Double-Booked
A Jackson Hole hospitality business trusted a bookkeeper with payroll, bank accounts, and tax reporting. After moving to Hawaii and continuing the job remotely, Laura Marie Means diverted nearly $1.5 million, disguised transfers as ordinary…
The Superbowl Bribe
A Navy civilian employee accepted premier sporting-event tickets, expensive meals, family employment, and recurring cash while steering federal contracts. Jason Carr examines the procurement records, concealed metadata, false tax returns, and six-year prison sentence. (more…)
Cannabis and Taxes
What Operators Need to Know About 280E, COGS, Cash, and Audit Risk A state cannabis license does not make federal tax treatment simple. Cannabis operators face overlapping federal, state, and local rules. These rules affect…
The Tax Shelter That Wouldn’t Die
Former CPA Michael J. Moore sold a “Special Tax Shelter Strategy” through a Las Vegas firm specializing in adult-entertainment clients. After pleading guilty, he concealed his identity and resumed filing false returns. (more…)
When the IRS Comes Knocking
How to Survive an Audit An IRS audit notice can feel overwhelming, but most audits are routine reviews of specific items on a specific return. Being selected does not mean the IRS believes you did…
The Check Churning Gambler
In Episode 21 of Final Notice, Jason Carr breaks down the case of Eric Brian Rosenberg, a Mississippi publisher and former congressional candidate who used a technique called “check churning” to keep the IRS from…
The Phantom Schedule C
In Episode 20 of Final Notice, Jason Carr breaks down the case of Ann Quach, a Ventura County tax preparer who fabricated entire businesses on 1,734 client returns over thirteen years, generating millions in false…
The Exit Tax
In Episode 19 of Final Notice, Jason Carr breaks down the case of Justin Ryan Schmidt, a crypto hedge fund manager who renounced his U.S. citizenship, hid millions in foreign accounts, lied on his expatriation…