Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comKey Contacts
Back
The Internal Revenue Service was not wholly unaffected by budget cuts and the federal sequester, and saw many of its financial resources diminished as a result. In response, the IRS may lean on technology solutions to detect tax law violations and penalize criminals. However, the agency’s use of new data mining innovations has raised a number of privacy concerns and inquiries among consumers, legal professionals and tax preparers.
According to U.S. News and World Report, the IRS is relying more heavily on robo-audits and data mining to match returns and detect potential cases of tax evasion, fraud and inconsistencies. While the technology has been used in the past to catch low- to middle-income Americans who commit tax violations, the agency is expected to make technological advancements that allow it to focus on small businesses owners. For example, the technology now allows the IRS to track credit card transactions and gather other information from online transactions and social media postings.
At the heart of the issue is which types of third-party data the IRS will use and how this information will be assessed when trying to detect and prosecute tax evaders, the news source reports. Currently, the agency has only said that the systems allow it to gather data on every single taxpayer, including shopping records, travel, social communications and non-public information, such as health records, according to U.S. News and World Report.
“This capability is designed to feed into a single, consolidated taxpayer-account database that will support the deployment of the next generation of taxpayer service and enforcement functions,” said U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration J. Russell George, the news source reports.
While many tax law attorneys and preparers have requested more guidance on this topic from the IRS, the agency noted that these disclosures may hinder its detection efforts.
- Practices: Tax and Trusts & Estates
- 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
New York NDA Requirements for Businesses
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
Author: Dan Brecher
New Jersey Will Contest Grounds Explained
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Legal Issues Before Bringing on Investors
Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]
Author: Dan Brecher
SECURE 2.0 RMD Planning Strategies
How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
Author: Robert L. Baker, Jr.
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
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.