Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

IRS Says Juan Pablo Montoya Owes $2.7 Million in Back Taxes

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: November 11, 2013

Key Contacts

Back

NASCAR driver Juan Pablo Montoya is currently facing a series of tax law violations in the U.S. Tax Court, for allegedly failing to pay nearly $3 million in federal back taxes owed to the Internal Revenue Service.

The IRS recently filed a lawsuit against the driver for these back taxes, arguing that he did not disclose the accurate income he made in 2007 and 2008, according to an exclusive Forbes report. The agency further explained that Montoya made roughly $9.5 million in taxable income, but only reported $2.4 million. The IRS is seeking to recoup $2.7 million in back taxes, interest charges, and penalties.

Back Taxes

However, the discrepancy may largely stem from issues that arose when Montoya – a Colombian native – transitioned to NASCAR and sought residency in the U.S., the news source explained. Under the counsel of advisors, the driver argues that he was encouraged to set up a limited liability company in the Bahamas, which was responsible for managing income earned from use of his name and likeness. Upon joining NASCAR and establishing residency in the U.S., he was then told to “domesticate his foreign assets to the U.S.,” Forbes reported. Montoya claimed a number of deductions associated with transitioning a foreign company to a domestic company, which the IRS calls a “sham” strategy.

Montoya affirmed that he had $800,000 more in income than he reported on his tax returns during the years in question, but is disputing the remaining $2.7 million part of the IRS audit. At present, Montoya is not being charged with a crime.

In an interesting twist, Montoya is joining Penske Racing in 2014 to run in the IndyCar Series full-time with his future teammate Helio Castroneves, who was acquitted on felony tax charges in 2009. Overall, in 251 career Cup starts, Montoya has earned roughly $37,051,270.

No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Related Posts

See all
Scarinci Hollenbeck Expands NYC Real Estate and Litigation Practices ADDING four litigators post image

Scarinci Hollenbeck Expands NYC Real Estate and Litigation Practices ADDING four litigators

NYC Real Estate and Litigation Attorney Ryan O. Miller and Team Join Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC New York City, NY – August 13, 2025 – Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC has strengthened its Real Estate and Litigation practices with the addition of four New York City-based attorneys. Ryan Miller, who joins as a partner, is well known for […]

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Link to post with title - "Scarinci Hollenbeck Expands NYC Real Estate and Litigation Practices ADDING four litigators"
What is Business Law and Why Is it Important? post image

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

Link to post with title - "What is Business Law and Why Is it Important?"
Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals post image

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

Link to post with title - "Corporate Transactions: Best Practices for Successful Deals"
How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025 post image

How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025

Ongoing economic uncertainty is forcing many companies to make tough decisions, which includes lowering staff levels. The legal landscape on both the state and federal level also continues to evolve, especially with significant changes to the priorities of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) under the Trump Administration. Terminating an employee is one of the […]

Author: Angela A. Turiano

Link to post with title - "How to Conduct a Fair and Legal Employee Termination in 2025"
Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know post image

Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know

While filing annual reports may seem like a nuisance, failing to do so can have significant ramifications. These include fines, reputational harm, and interruption of your business operations. In basic terms, “admin dissolution for annual report” means that a company is dissolved by the government. This happens because it failed to submit its annual report […]

Author: Dan Brecher

Link to post with title - "Admin Dissolution for Annual Report: What You Need to Know"
What Is Antitrust Litigation Law? post image

What Is Antitrust Litigation Law?

Antitrust laws are designed to ensure that businesses compete fairly. There are three federal antitrust laws that businesses must navigate. These include the Sherman Act, the Federal Trade Commission Act, and the Clayton Act. States also have their own antitrust regimes. These may vary from federal regulations. Understanding antitrust litigation helps businesses navigate these complex […]

Author: Robert E. Levy

Link to post with title - "What Is Antitrust Litigation Law?"

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.

Let`s get in touch!

* The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging.

Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!