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Navigating Tax Compliance: Uncovering Ghost Employers and IRS Penalties

Written by Jamie Williams | Apr 18, 2024 1:06:55 AM

Greetings, Taxpayers and Tax Pros! Welcome to Lentax.co, where we provide valuable content and resources for those interested in tax matters and memberships.

For today's blog, we delve into the world of taxes. The IRS has been uncovering cases of Ghost Employers who fail to report their employees' income accurately. From June 2018 to May 2023, 354 potential Ghost employers were identified, with some facing prosecution and hefty tax debts. To avoid such pitfalls, consider hiring self-employed individuals as 1099 contractors. Learn more about navigating tax waters with these independent contractors.

Employment taxes make up a significant portion of total tax revenue $3.18 of $4.9 trillion, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting. Our network of tax professionals is here to assist you in staying compliant and avoiding IRS scrutiny.

The Treasury has stringent penalties in place for Ghost Employers under IRC 6651(f) for fraudulent practices. It is crucial to address these issues to deter others from similar actions. The IRS could potentially recover millions by pursuing these cases further, as highlighted by the Treasury Inspector General.

 

Here are three key takeaways for taxpayers from the provided excerpt of 26 U.S. Code ยง 6651 - Failure to file tax return or to pay tax:


  1. Penalties for Late Filing: If a taxpayer fails to file a required tax return by the due date (including extensions), they may incur a penalty of 5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that the return is late, up to a maximum of 25%.

  2. Penalties for Late Payment: There is a penalty for failing to pay the tax shown on the return by the due date, which is 0.5% of the unpaid tax for each month or part of a month that the payment is late, again up to 25% in total.

  3. Minimum Penalty for Filing More Than 60 Days Late: If the tax return is filed more than 60 days after the due date, the minimum penalty will be the lesser of $435 (adjusted for inflation) or 100% of the unpaid tax. 

 

For more information on the latest updates from the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, visit https://www.tigta.gov.

Taxpayers should strive to file and pay their taxes on time to avoid these penalties. If they are unable to do so, they should be aware of the potential charges they may face and seek to minimize penalties by filing and paying as soon as possible.

At Lentax.co, we are committed to guiding you through tax compliance and helping you navigate any challenges you may face with the IRS. If you have any concerns or questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Whether you are a taxpayer or a tax professional, we invite you to share your experiences and insights with us and sign up for a free account to join us inside a secure portal where you can connect and post with other taxpayers and tax professional in our exclusive "Tales From the Tax Seas" community. 

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