Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Facebook Helps IRS Catch Violations of Tax Law
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: March 6, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
The Internal Revenue Service is pulling out all the stops to detect and prosecute Americans who violate tax law, and social media is helping the agency catch many criminals in their tracks.
Many people are implicated in crimes due to information they post on social media websites, and one woman who committed tax fraud has the posts she made on Facebook to thank for her prosecution. An ongoing IRS investigation into the nearly two million-dollar tax fraud case of Rashia Wilson has been largely facilitated by posts she made on Facebook, according to CPA Practice Advisor magazine. Officials say Wilson – a self-proclaimed income tax fraud pioneer who instructed others on how to to defraud the IRS – made a number of comments and posts on the social networking site that eventually led to searches of her home, her computers and Facebook accounts.
For example, in one post, Wilson presented an image of herself smiling with an oversized jewel-encrusted pendant and hoards of cash. She also included a caption that sought to mock the IRS.
“YES I’M RASHIA THE QUEEN OF IRS TAX FRAUD,” the post read, according to CPA magazine. “IM’ A MILLIONAIRE FOR THE RECORD SO IF U THINK INDICTING ME WILL BE EASY IT WONT I PROMISE U!”
Seven months following the post, Wilson was indicted on 57 counts of tax fraud, the news source reports.
Information publicly posted on social media websites has been increasingly used in legal matters, ranging from tax investigations to divorce proceedings. Although privacy laws may exist regarding social media content, information that is posted publicly is generally fair game in court cases. The IRS is establishing a stronger network for detecting tax law violations, ranging from technological advancements to catch reporting errors to global agreements made to limit offshore banking abuse.
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates, Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, New York City, Little Falls, NJ
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Why Secured Transactions Are Important
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Don’t Cash a “Paid in Full” Check Without Understanding the Legal Implications
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Changes to Qualified Small Business Stock Will Benefit Startup Founders and Investors
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Consolidation and Antitrust Issues in Mergers
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?
Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals
Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.