Tax Protestor Sentenced to Slammer. 60-Month Sentence. $3.5 Million Tax Evasion

October 31^st 2019 Halloween. A homebuilder was sentenced to 60 months in prison for tax evasion, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division. According to court documents and evidence presented during the trial, Lawrence Martin Birk founded a sole proprietorship, Tarryall River Log Homes LLC, in 2000. Although the company, which sold and built log homes, was profitable, Birk did not voluntarily pay federal taxes on its income. When the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) began collection efforts, including visiting Birk at his home, he hired a tax firm to prepare eight years’ worth of delinquent tax returns. However, Birk concealed pertinent information from the tax firm, including over $400,000 of retirement distributions that he funneled through a sham company. After filing his delinquent tax returns, which omitted the retirement income, Birk still did not pay what the returns acknowledged was due and owing. Instead, he sent the IRS threatening correspondence that espoused the frivolous tax arguments of known tax defier organizations. After being notified that the IRS intended to seize money from his bank accounts for taxes owed, Birk took steps to shield his money against the IRS’ collection efforts. Immediately or shortly after depositing funds into his bank account, Birk purchased cashier’s checks to reduce his balance and impede the IRS’s ability to seize the money. Birk’s outstanding tax liabilities, including taxes, interest, and penalties, were over $2 million for 1998 to 2005. He has not filed returns or made any tax payments for the 2006 through 2018 tax years. To date, his debt is more than $3.5 million. In addition to the term of imprisonment, Judge Blackburn also ordered Birk to serve three years of supervised release and to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $1,858,826.

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FREE CONSULTATION We provide our Clients with effective tax representation before the IRS and State. By addressing complicated tax controversies with intelligence and ingenuity, our Clients are able to solve their tax problems and get on with their lives. 

IRS and State tax representation includes unpaid income, sales and payroll taxes, unfiled tax returns, monthly installment agreements, offer in compromise, audits, suspended drivers’ license, suspended passport, tax evasion, tax crimes and most other tax issues. 

To schedule a legally privileged consultation with David P. Selig, CPCU, Federal Tax Practitioner, and Attorney Bradley H. Dorin, Esq. call us directly at (212) 974-3435 or contact us through our Online Action Form. 

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TORN FROM THE HEADLINES

Attorney Douglas M. Marinos, 56, has pleaded guilty to one count of willfully failing to collect, truthfully account for and pay over federal taxes owed by his law firm. Marinos pleaded guilty to failing to pay over to the IRS withholdings from the paychecks of his firm’s employees. He faces up to five years in prison, three years of supervised release, a $10,000 fine and a $100 assessment. As part of his plea agreement, Marinos is also required to pay some $285,000 in restitution to the IRS.

Honest Tax Advocates To schedule a FREE legally privileged consultation with a licensed Federal Tax Practitioner and Attorney call Selig & Associates directly (212) 974-3435

Successful Tax Representation We practice before the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance (“NYSDTF”) the Department of Justice Tax Division (“DOJ”) and the Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals (“DOHA”). *To schedule a legally privileged consultation call Selig & Associates directly (212) 974-3435 

Proven Results  We successfully resolve: Tax Crimes; Tax Evasion; Failure to File a Tax Return and Criminal Non-Filing; Filing False Tax Returns; Installment Agreements; Partial Payment Agreements; IRS Audits; Sales Tax Audits; Sales Tax Controversies; Wage Garnishments; Bank Levies; Seizure of Real Property; Innocent Spouse Relief; Trust Fund Recovery Penalty; Payroll Taxes; Workers Compensation Insurance Audits ("Workers Comp"); Statute of Limitations; Offer in Compromise ("OIC"); Administrative Appeals; Collection Due Process Hearings ("CDP") and most other tax matters. *To schedule a legally privileged consultation call Selig & Associates directly (212) 974-3435

Professional Service Guaranteed We meet with our clients personally. We return telephone calls promptly, answer emails and provide regular updates and status reports. *To schedule a legally privileged consultation call Selig & Associates directly (212) 974-3435

We Settle Commercial & Residential Property Damage Claims for Top Dollar David Selig PA and Attorney Dorin successfully settle residential and commercial property insurance claims, including business interruption, burglary, fire, windstorm and losses caused by water damage. *For a free consultation call David Selig directly (212) 974-3435

Will a False Sexual Harassment Claim Destroy Your Business in 2018? We provide legal, insurance and other asset protection strategies for Business-Owners and Medical Service Providers. *To schedule a consultation or a comprehensive evaluation of your existing plan call Selig & Associates directly (212) 974-3435 

TAX NEWS TORN FROM THE HEADLINES

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Now that a little thing called economic reality has overtaken months of dishonest media reporting about the Republican tax bill signed into law by President Trump last month, a plurality of 47 percent support the bill, while only 34 percent remain opposed.

This is a huge (and predicable) turnaround when compared to those polls released  in the heart of the media campaign to kill the tax bill. In early December, Gallup showed just 29 percent support for the bill; as did Quinnipiac. Less than a month ago, the left-wing cable news network CNN released a poll that showed support for the bill cratering with opposition climbing from 45 percent to 55 percent. Only one-third of Americans were in favor of the tax cut.

Considering the media’s 24/7 opposition to the bill, these negative polls were not all that surprising. In a cynical and partisan effort to kill the GOP tax cut through the use of lies to gin up opposition, including the wildly false claim that only the rich and corporations would benefit, some outlets even went so far as to claim that taxes on working people and the middle class would increase. And polls showed that too many people actually believed that nonsense.

Thankfully, neither the GOP nor President Trump blinked. The important bill passed late last month (strictly along party lines) and the benefits to working Americans was immediate. So far, thanks to the lowering of their taxes, 164 corporations have announced substantial bonuses and pay raises. That means some two million workers are already enjoying the trickle-down effect of the most consequential tax reform in 30 years.

President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful Christmas present” to the American people came Dec. 22, when he signed into law a tax plan that will benefit business owners big and small and give individual taxpayers a slight break in 2018.

The GOP didn’t fulfill their promise of simplifying the tax code—you’re not going to be able to file your taxes on a postcard any time soon, and experts say changes to business rates will likely lead more people to try to game the system. But they did change the number of tax brackets from seven to...seven and eliminate some popular deductions.

When It Takes Effect

The tax plan starts to take effect January 1, 2018, meaning it doesn’t affect the taxes you file in April 2018 (unless you make a few last-minute moves). Some aspects of it won’t be implemented until 2019 or beyond.

Tax brackets, for example, change on January 1, 2018, to the following:

Source: Heritage Foundation

The IRS announced that workers could begin seeing the difference in withholding in their paychecks as early as February. The new brackets expire after 2025. As Marc Goldwein, senior policy director for the bipartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, told Vox, “People get eight years of tax reform.”

The individual mandate for health insurance will be repealed starting in 2019, meaning if you don’t purchase health insurance next year you’re still liable for the penalty. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 4 million fewer people in 2019 and 13 million fewer in 2027 will have health insurance as a result.

The Tax Cuts You Can Expect on Average

Republicans are hailing the legislation as a major victory for the middle class. In the very near term, the middle class will benefit: All income groups will receive a cut, on average, in 2018, according to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, which estimates the average cut will be $1,600 in 2018.

How does this work? 

• Standard deduction: For many people, the standard deduction will be essentially doubled, from $6,350 for individuals to $12,000, and from $12,700 for married couples filing jointly to $24,000. You won’t see this change until you file your taxes in April 2019.
• Child tax credit: Another benefit to many middle class workers is the doubling of the child tax credit to $2,000 for dependents under 17, $1,400 of which is refundable (meaning if the credit is larger than your federal income tax liability, you can receive a refund of up to $1,400). More high-income earners will also qualify for this credit now. This expires in 2025. (You can also reduce your tax bill by up to $500 for other dependents, like children over 17 and elderly relatives.)
• Personal exemptions: Personal exemptions, which reduce your taxable income, are eliminated. Currently, you’re allowed to claim a $4,050 personal exemption for yourself, your spouse, and your dependents (up to a certain amount). The doubling of the standard deduction could go a long way to make up for this, but the elimination could negate the benefits for families with three or more kids.

But the bill is much more of a win for the wealthiest Americans and business owners. One of the main criticisms of the plan is that the tax cuts are not allocated equally across the income spectrum. Taxpayers earning between $308,000 and $733,000 would receive the largest tax cut. According to TCP, middle-income taxpayers (those making between about $49,000 and $86,000) would pay about $900 less (or about 1.6% of after-tax income) in 2018, while those earning $733,000 and up would get an average tax cut of roughly $50,000 (or 3.4% of their after-tax income). If you earn $65,000, you’ll save about $930 in 2018, per TCP. If you make $500,000, you’ll save around $13,480.

(“HOW TO DEFEND YOURSELF AGAINST SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIMS”) SELIG Supports MATT LAUER, The Allegations are False

The circumstances surrounding Matt Lauer’s firing are completely fictitious, says David Selig of Selig &Associates. After loosing the presidential election, Hillary Clinton blamed Matt Lauer by name, which is why I believe they [the so-called elite] decided to destroy Matt’s reputation. It’s a sign of the times says Selig. And the celebrities are just the tip of the iceberg. In fact, for every high-profile celebrity who is accused of sexual harassment, 5000 -10,000 unknown business-owners and working professionals are quietly accused, sued and generally victimized by false or embellished claims. In today’s climate, you’ve got to protect yourself. 

Risk Management Could a sexual harassment claim ruin your business? In today’s litigious environment you need to protect yourself against sexual harassment and hostile work environment claims. We provide legal, insurance and other asset protection strategies for business-owners and medical service providers. By implementing an effective sexual harassment strategy today, you can protect your reputation, your business, and your assets tomorrow. We solve problems before they happen. To schedule a consultation or a comprehensive evaluation of your existing plan call Selig & Associates directly (212) 974-3435 _{*Our fees are Tax Deductible (IRC §162)}

How to Protect Yourself & Your Company Against Sexual Harassment & Hostile Work Environment Claims

We provide legal, insurance and other asset protection strategies for business-owners and medical service providers. By implementing an effective sexual harassment strategy today, you can protect your reputation, your business, and your assets tomorrow. We solve problems before they happen. To schedule a consultation or a comprehensive evaluation of your existing plan call Selig & Associates directly (212) 974-3435 *_{Our fees are Tax Deductible (IRC §162)}

Laws Enforced by EEOC

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII)
This law makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The law also requires that employers reasonably accommodate applicants' and employees' sincerely held religious practices, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer's business.

·       The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
This law amended Title VII to make it illegal to discriminate against a woman because of pregnancy, childbirth, or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (EPA)
This law makes it illegal to pay different wages to men and women if they perform equal work in the same workplace. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA)
This law protects people who are 40 or older from discrimination because of age. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA)
This law makes it illegal to discriminate against a qualified person with a disability in the private sector and in state and local governments. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The law also requires that employers reasonably accommodate the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer's business.

Sections 102 and 103 of the Civil Rights Act of 1991
Among other things, this law amends Title VII and the ADA to permit jury trials and compensatory and punitive damage awards in intentional discrimination cases.

Sections 501 and 505 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
This law makes it illegal to discriminate against a qualified person with a disability in the federal government. The law also makes it illegal to retaliate against a person because the person complained about discrimination, filed a charge of discrimination, or participated in an employment discrimination investigation or lawsuit. The law also requires that employers reasonably accommodate the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability who is an applicant or employee, unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the operation of the employer's business.

The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA)