Comptroller applicant withdraws more than $34,000 federal tax lien
There is one city comptroller in Grand Rapids that is withdrawing from consideration following a MLive inquire about a federal tax lien for his property.
The comptroller applicant named Mark Pospiech disclosed delinquent city income taxes on his application. Supposedly, he also owns $34,813 in federal income tax for 2009-2011, according to a tax lien that was filed in November of 2012 with the Kent County register of deeds.
Jerry Czaja, the county’s chief deputy register, says that it looks pretty clear that Pospiech didn’t pay his 1040 tax. When a person doesn’t pay their 1040 tax, the federal government will file a lien in the office, and the lien will become attached to any interest they have in any property. Currently, it doesn’t seem like a discharge will be recorded to release the lien.
Pospiech was one of the three applicants for the position of comptroller that was vacated when Donijo DeJonge stepped down from the position in December. He responded to MLive calls about the talked about lien with a written statement that he is going to withdraw from consideration of the comptroller position.
Pospiech said that throughout the application and interview process for the comptroller position, he said that the focus of the Press was more on his situation, eclipsing his abilities for the position. He believes that there are a variety of factors that have led to his current tax issues, but those factors are personal, and shouldn’t be drawn out by public opinion.
Categories: Federal Tax, Income Tax, State Tax, Tax Evasion, Tax Law Tags: avoiding taxes, corporate tax, federal tax, federal tax fraud, filing taxes, income tax, tax code, tax fraud
What Are White Collar Crimes?
Usually, we associate the word “crime” with people killing other people, robbing banks, or stealing money from another person or establishment because these are the types of crimes that we hear and see on the news from day to day. “White collar crimes”, on the other hand, may be known but are usually unidentified. Simply put, people may be familiar with examples of white collar crimes but don’t actually know that these are classified as “white collar”.
White collar defined
The term white collar crime was first coined by Edwin Sutherland in 1939. In one of his speeches, he defined such crimes to have been committed by a person of authority in the course of his term. He further theorized that these criminals are different from street criminals when taking motives and attributions into consideration. Today, however, the definition of white collar crime is still a subject of contention among experts of law. In a general sense, though, these crimes are nonviolent and are committed for financial gain.
Examples of white collar crime
There are many examples of white collar crime, some of which are the following:
1. Blackmailing
This is an act in which a person threatens to expose secrets, pose physical harm to people or their properties, in exchange for money.
2. Bank fraud
This is when people engage in a scheme wherein the aim is to illegally obtain money from a bank.
3. Extortion
This happens when a person or a group of persons engage in unlawful acquisition of somebody else’s property, money, or other assets by violent force – either actual or threat.
4. Embezzlement
This occurs when a person who is in charge of handling money uses it for personal reasons.
5. Racketeering
When people establish and operate illegal business for financial profit.
6. Tax evasion
When people or an individual intentionally commits errors in filing income tax in an attempt to refrain from paying higher taxes
The above mentioned examples of white collar crime are only few of the actual number of white collar crimes existing today. Aside from these, there’s also money laundering, securities fraud, cellular phone fraud, and many others. People who are charged with white collar crime must seek the services of a professional white collar crime lawyer in order to be duly represented in court.
Looking for a white collar lawyer
Just like in choosing a doctor, you have to choose a white crime lawyer with care. Remember, this is the person who holds your chances in his hands. If you wind up with someone whose knowledge is direly limited and has only been practicing since recently, then your chances of winning at court will likely be lower. Here are some considerations for choosing a white crime lawyer:
1. Is he someone you are at ease with?
You will have to expose all the details of the incident to your lawyer – imagine doing that to someone with whom you are not even comfortable just starting small talk with. Make sure your lawyer makes you feel at ease and unthreatened.
2. Does his rate fit your budget?
During consultation, clarify whether charges are hourly or flat. This should help you get the right expectations in terms of budget.
Featured images:
- License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/images
Cedric Loiselle is a passionate and versatile writer specializing in a wide range of niches. It would help you a lot if you read his articles especially when you are looking for the best white collar crime lawyer New Orleans can offer, such as those under Ben Bagert Law Firm.
Categories: Tax Evasion, Tax Law Tags: 1%, tax crime, tax evasion, tax fraud, tax the wealthy, white collar crime
Five Ways To Avoid IRS Tax Problems
From business people and entrepreneurs to college students, individuals from all walks of life can feel overwhelmed when confronted with IRS tax problems. However, don’t panic if you get into a bit of trouble with the government; through the help of dedicated professionals, you can efficiently deal with these problems. Here are five ways to avoid serious tax problems this season.
1. File Returns Regardless of Personal Circumstances
Individuals need to file tax returns, even if they feel they have earned no taxable income. Some people go for years without filing returns. These misguided individuals may feel that if they’ve lasted so long without facing disaster that they can continue for years to come. Regardless of individual circumstances, not filing tax returns is a prosecutable federal crime. IRS agents have a habit of waiting until people are comfortable before moving in with swift, decisive action.
2. Pay Tax Bills on Time
The best way to avoid tax problems is to pay taxes fully and in a timely fashion. Beyond simply paying late fees and penalties, late payers increase their likelihood of facing audit. The IRS uses a software algorithm to influence its random selections of taxpayers for auditing. While the IRS naturally keeps details of this algorithm secret, any taxpayer actions that hint at noncompliance can likely cause problems.
3. Find Professional Tax Help
Fortunately, experienced accountants and tax attorneys have mastered plenty of techniques for guiding their clients avoid tax headaches. These attorneys can help people negotiate settlements with the IRS. Without these settlements, people can struggle with burdensome tax liens on their properties and possessions.
4. Communicate With the IRS
Individuals with tax problems should continue communicating with the IRS, no matter how unpleasant these interactions may become. Without adequate communication, the IRS may take drastic action by issuing levies. Levies are direct, enforceable requests for money from banks or other responsible institutions. For example, the IRS serves levies to banks to tap bank accounts for unpaid taxes. The IRS generally only issues levies when taxpayers are totally non-compliant.
5. Understand the Authority of the IRS
Some taxpayers simply postpone IRS negotiations with honorable intentions to comply at later times. Many assume that tax bills are subject to statues of limitations and are waiting until their problems disappear. Remarkably, the IRS is not bound by any statute of limitations. The IRS has tremendous power to seize homes, cars and all other assets. The tax authority continually gains new powers to harass and hound taxpayers. By exercising prudence and utilizing professional help, taxpayers can usually avoid IRS tax problems.
This is simply some advice to help you stay out of IRS tax problems, not a solicitation for legal services or tax help.
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License: Creative Commons image source
By Jordan Mallory, a single mom with experience working in taxes who writes as a hobby on the side.
Categories: Federal Tax, Income Tax, State Tax, Tax Evasion, Tax Law Tags: IRS, irs audit, irs extension, irs tax credits, irs tax services, irs wage garnishment