WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an assertive move towards improved tax compliance and systematic fairness, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at high-income taxpayers who have egregiously defaulted on their federal income tax returns. This effort, unprecedented in its reach, is targeting no less than 125,000 cases of tax evasion dating back to 2017.
This enforcement drive comes on the heels of the Inflation Reduction Act funding, which has empowered the IRS to vigorously pursue errant taxpayers. More than 125,000 compliance letters are being mailed out this week to individuals who have failed to file tax returns since 2017. Among these, over 25,000 are being sent to those with an income exceeding $1 million, and the majority, approximately 100,000, target those earning between $400,000 and $1 million.
The individuals in question are those who, according to third-party data such as Forms W-2 and 1099, have received income within these ranges but have not complied with filing a tax return. With the fresh infusion of Inflation Reduction Act funding, the previously sporadic IRS non-filer program is now poised to aggressively pursue this tax evasion.
IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel urged high-income taxpayers to fulfill their civic responsibility of filing tax returns, particularly in a season when millions of Americans are diligently paying their taxes. He emphasized that the IRS is determined to ensure compliance, especially for those engaged in tax evasion, and that the Inflation Reduction Act funding has enabled the IRS to identify non-filers and enforce the law.
In the coming weeks, the IRS will mail non-compliance notices, also known as the CP59 notice, to high-income non-filers. These individuals should take immediate action to avoid escalating penalties, enforcement measures, and potential criminal prosecution. They are advised to consult with tax professionals and promptly file their late tax returns, in addition to paying delinquent tax, interest, and penalties. It is important to note that failure-to-file penalties can amount to 5% of the owed amount every month, up to 25% of the total tax bill.
The IRS estimates that the total potential revenue from these tax evaders, based on third-party information, represents financial activity exceeding $100 billion. Even on a conservative estimate, the IRS believes this effort will recoup hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid taxes. Interestingly, some non-filers may also be owed a refund, highlighting the need for timely tax filing.
Moreover, the IRS has initiated an extensive effort to ensure that large corporate entities, partnerships, and high-income individual filers pay their fair share of taxes. The Inflation Reduction Act has enabled the IRS to pursue tax evaders using a complex range of tools, thus narrowing the compliance gap.
In addition to targeting high-income non-filers, the IRS is also pursuing tax debt from millionaires and addressing multi-million-dollar partnership balance sheet discrepancies. The IRS has already collected nearly $500 million in ongoing efforts from about 1,600 millionaires.
However, those who continue to ignore their tax filing obligations risk vigorous enforcement action, including the filing of a Substitute for Return (SFR). In an SFR, the IRS calculates tax, penalty, and interest based on income reported by employers and financial institutions. Failure to respond to notice of deficiency CP3219N (a 90-day letter) within the stipulated time will result in the IRS proceeding with the proposed tax assessment.
Taxpayers should realize that any return prepared by the IRS will not factor in potential credits, deductions, and exemptions they are entitled to receive. Instead, it could lead to a hefty tax bill, triggering the collection process, a levy on wages or bank accounts, and the filing of a federal tax lien. Repeat offenders could incur additional penalties and even face criminal prosecution.
Through these efforts, the IRS is sending a clear message: tax evasion is a serious offense, and it is taking robust action to ensure fairness in the tax system.
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