The Internal Revenue Service has made going after Americans who violate U.S. tax law through the improper use of tax shelters a top priority. A new report that exposes millions of leaked documents reveals the large extent of tax shelter abuse occurring in the U.S.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists reports that 90 journalists from 47 countries have used new technology to examine roughly 2.5 million documents from the last 30 years. Their findings reveal that the large number of people relying on tax shelters to hide income far exceeds previous projections, and include American doctors and dentists, middle-class Greek villagers, a Spanish princess, family members of despots, Wall Street executives and ultra-rich from across the world. The list also includes the names of 4,000 Americans and celebrities.
“We expected to find only the mega rich using [offshore accounts],” said Gerard Ryle, director of the consortium. “But in fact we found it was being used by a much broader section of society.”
The report has major implications for several countries around the globe, many of which are now launching probes into their own citizens as a result of the extensive information found. The group that published the report said the findings have significant consequences for the countries impacted by tax shelter abuse, as many have suffered sizable economic losses as a result of these crimes.
Understanding Chattel Paper: A Key Component in Secured Transactions
Using chattel paper to obtain a security interest in personal property is a powerful tool. It can ensure lenders have a legal claim on collateral ranging from inventory to intellectual property. To reduce risk and protect your legal rights, businesses and lenders should understand the legal framework. This framework governs the creation, sale, and enforcement […]
For years, digital assets operated in a legal gray area, a frontier where innovation outpaced the reach of regulators and law enforcement. In this early “Wild West” phase of finance, crypto startups thrived under minimal oversight. That era, however, is coming to an end. The importance of crypto compliance has become paramount as cryptocurrency has […]
Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination
Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]
Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]
Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses
Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]
Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress
The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]
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