The Tax Fraud Blog – Qui Tam Attorneys

Michael Craig Cooper, a 55 year old man from Topeka, Kansas, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for Tax Fraud. Cooper is the founder Renaissance (The Tax People) and was sentenced on more than 70 tax fraud counts.

In addition to serving those 20 years, Cooper will also be required to pay $10 million in restitution to the United States Government to cover the extent of his fraudulent activities, as well as a forfeiture of about $75 million.

The case was decided in 2008 when a federal jury found Cooper guilty on 73 counts of tax fraud including mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy.

As America files taxes, stories of tax fraud, evasion and scams begin to hit the press. Many Americans choose to have their taxes filed by a CPA, and are employed by companies that issue tax paperwork to each employee. Usually, these basic tax-season transactions go as planned. But, if you’re one of the individuals who has seen tax fraud first hand, you should report it today.

If you are having your taxes prepared by a professional who is behaving suspiciously or has tried to sell you on a scam to make more money by filing for losses you don’t have, make sure to report them. If your company has with-held information or asked you to lie to the government on your earnings, you could have a potential case. Our team of experienced attorneys can help you decide what the next steps should be.

As a whistle blower, you will receive a portion of whatever money the U.S. Government gains back in court proceedings. Do your country, fellow citizens and yourself a favor by reporting tax fraud if you suspect it. Berg & Androphy has handled many types of Qui Tam cases, including tax fraud. We’re more than happy to help you assess your potential case and decide what the next steps should be.

If you blow the whistle on fraudulent behavior, you can reap substantial financial rewards.

If you suspect tax fraud, contact Berg & Androphy using our online Qui Tam Form today!

According to press release from government agencies, eight individuals from Florida, Oregon and the East Coast were recently convicted on charges of tax, wire-fraud and money laundering. The Justice Department described these individuals, who were working for the firm Pinnacle Quest International (also known as PQI and Quest International) as promoters of fraudulent tax and credit-card debt elimination schemes.

PQI was an umbrella organization for many tax and credit-card debt elimination schemes. The individuals convicted were perpetrators of the scheme, working on the executive council, and in PR and other positions.

Sentencing is scheduled for July 9th. Leaders of the scheme could receive up to 30 years in prison and fines of $1 million. Other defendants in the case will receive lesser penalties: a maximum of 5 years and $250,000 in fines.