Category Archives: criminal tax law

On June 12, 2025, the U.S. Tax Court handed down a significant decision in the case of Smith v. Commissioner, offering a valuable lesson for anyone who has ever filed a joint tax return with a spouse. The case centered on Manuela C. Smith, a North Carolina woman who found herself facing a hefty tax bill and penalties—all because her ex-husband, Ulysesus A. Hodge III, had unreported income she knew nothing about. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what you can learn from it.

The Backstory: Joint Returns, Hidden Income

Manuela Smith and her then-husband filed joint tax returns, as many couples do. What Smith didn’t know was that Hodge had received extra compensation from a business and had a debt discharged—both sources of income he failed to report. When the IRS discovered the omission, both Smith and Hodge were hit with a tax deficiency and an accuracy-related penalty.

But Smith fought back, claiming she was an “innocent spouse” under the law. The IRS actually agreed with her, but Hodge insisted that Smith must have known about the hidden income, since she prepared their returns every year.

The Court’s Decision: No Evidence, No Liability

Tax Court Judge Zachary S. Fried looked at the facts:

·         No Shared Bank Accounts: The couple never shared a bank account, making it harder for Smith to know about Hodge’s finances.

·         No Proof of Knowledge: Hodge couldn’t provide any evidence that Smith actually knew about the unreported income.

·         IRS Support: The IRS agreed Smith was entitled to relief.

Judge Fried ruled in Smith’s favor, granting her innocent spouse relief under Internal Revenue Code Section 6015(c). This means she is no longer responsible for the tax debt and penalties related to her ex-husband’s unreported income.

What Is Innocent Spouse Relief?

When you file a joint tax return, you’re usually both on the hook for any taxes owed—even if only one spouse made the mistake. But the IRS has a provision called innocent spouse relief for situations just like Smith’s. If you can prove you didn’t know (and had no reason to know) about your spouse’s tax misdeeds, you may be able to escape liability.

Key requirements include:

·         You filed a joint return.

·         You’re no longer married (or legally separated, or living apart for at least a year).

·         The tax issue is due to your spouse’s income or errors.

·         You didn’t know about the problem when you signed the return.

Why This Case Matters

Smith v. Commissioner is a reminder that the IRS and the courts recognize not every spouse is aware of everything that goes on with joint finances. Even if you prepare the tax return, you’re not automatically responsible for your spouse’s hidden income, unless there’s evidence you actually knew about it.

If you’re going through a divorce or have concerns about your spouse’s financial transparency, this case shows that you have options. Innocent spouse relief is there to protect people who truly had no idea about their partner’s tax missteps.

Final Thoughts

Filing jointly has its benefits, but it also comes with risks, especially if you’re not in the loop on all sources of income. If you find yourself facing an unexpected tax bill because of your spouse or ex-spouse’s actions, don’t panic. The IRS’s innocent spouse relief provisions, as highlighted in the Smith case, may offer the protection you need.

 Have an IRS Tax Problem? 

 

   
Contact the Tax Lawyers at 

Marini & Associates, P.A. 

 

 

for a FREE Tax HELP contact us at:

www.TaxAid.com or www.OVDPLaw.com 
or Toll Free at 888-8TaxAid (888) 882-9243

Sources:

1.       https://www.districtofcolumbiataxattorney.com/articles/innocent-spouse-relief-irc-6015-shtmltextunder internal revenue code ircentire amount of tax due/     

2.      https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ARC17_Volume1_MLI_10_ReliefLiability.pdf     

3.      https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/26/6015      

4.      https://freemanlaw.com/innocent-spouse-relief/    

5.       https://www.irs.gov/irm/part25/irm_25-015-003r     

6.      https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2013-ARC_VOL-1_S3_MLI-10.pdf      

Read more at: Tax Times blog

The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a significant decision on June 12, 2025 in the world of tax law, siding with the IRS in a closely watched dispute over tax collection procedures. In an 8-1 ruling, the justices reversed a lower court’s decision and clarified when the U.S. Tax Court can, and cannot, hear taxpayer challenges in collection cases. Here’s what happened, why it matters, and what it means for taxpayers facing IRS collection actions.

The Story Behind Commissioner v. Zuch 

Jennifer Zuch, a New Jersey taxpayer, found herself on the hook for a $27,000 tax bill after the IRS credited joint estimated tax payments to her ex-husband instead of her. When the IRS threatened to seize her property (a process known as a “levy”), Zuch challenged the action in the U.S. Tax Court, arguing the debt wasn’t really hers.

But while her case was pending, the IRS used her tax refunds to pay off the debt and stopped trying to collect. The IRS then asked the Tax Court to throw out the case, saying there was nothing left to fight about.

The Tax Court agreed, but the Third Circuit Court of Appeals reversed, saying the underlying dispute over who owed the tax was still alive—even if the IRS had already collected the money.

The Supreme Court’s Ruling: No Levy, No Case

The Supreme Court disagreed with the Third Circuit. Writing for the majority, Justice Amy Coney Barrett explained that the Tax Court’s power to hear collection cases depends on there being an active collection action—like a proposed levy. Once the IRS stopped trying to collect from Zuch, the Tax Court lost jurisdiction.

Why Does This Matter?

This ruling draws a clear line:

·         The Tax Court can only hear collection cases if the IRS is actively trying to collect.

·         If the IRS collects the debt during the case—say, by offsetting your refund—the court can’t rule on whether you actually owed the money.

For taxpayers, this means that if the IRS pays itself while you’re fighting a collection action, your only remaining option is to file a refund lawsuit in federal district court.

What Should Taxpayers Do?

If you’re in a similar situation, disputing a tax bill that the IRS collects anyway, don’t panic. But do know your options:

1.       File a Refund Claim: If the IRS has already taken your money, you can file a claim for a refund with the IRS. If they deny it, you can sue for a refund in federal district court.

2.      Act Quickly: The window to file refund claims is limited. Don’t wait!

3.      Get Professional Help: Tax law is complex, and collection actions can get tricky fast. Consider consulting a tax professional or attorney.

The Bottom Line

The Supreme Court’s decision in Commissioner v. Zuch is a big win for the IRS and sets a new boundary for Tax Court jurisdiction in collection cases. If the IRS satisfies your tax debt while you’re fighting them in court, your case may be dismissed as moot, meaning you’ll have to take your fight to district court instead.

Have an IRS Tax Problem?

for a FREE Tax HELP Contact us at:
www.TaxAid.com or www.OVDPLaw.com
or Toll Free at 888 8TAXAID (888-882-9243)

Sources: 

1.       https://www.currentfederaltaxdevelopments.com/blog/2025/4/23/supreme-court-weighs-tax-court-jurisdiction-in-levy-disputes-after-tax-payment      

2.      https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/news/oral-arguments-heard-in-dispute-over-mootness-of-tax-proceedings/       

3.      https://www.theracetothebottom.org/rttb/2025/4/23/supreme-court-to-decide-key-taxpayer-rights-case-in-irs-collection-dispute       

4.      https://www.supremecourt.gov/DocketPDF/24/24-416/352237/20250317130623150_Commissioner v. Zuch - Brief for Respondent FILE.pdf 

5. 

Read more at: Tax Times blog

If you’re an American living abroad with foreign bank accounts, this recent federal court decision is a must-read. The story of Ricky Don Debrick, an energy consultant residing in France, is a stark reminder of the risks of failing to comply with U.S. reporting requirements, even from overseas.

Ricky Don Debrick, was an American energy consultant residing in France and owner of International Oil & Gas Associates, was ordered by a D.C. federal court to pay more than $2 million in penalties. This was due to his willful failure to disclose multiple foreign bank accounts with balances exceeding $3 million, far surpassing the under $30,000 he initially reported on his 2010 FBAR (Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts) filing. Debrick also failed to timely file an FBAR for 2011, despite having at least six accounts with balances totaling nearly $3 million in 2010 and $3.4 million in 2011. 

The U.S. government discovered the undisclosed accounts after Hyposwiss Private Bank, under a Swiss Bank Program nonprosecution agreement, revealed them. This program allows Swiss banks to avoid U.S. criminal charges by cooperating and sharing information about American clients suspected of hiding assets. 

How Did the Court Reach Its Decision? 

Debrick never responded to the U.S. Department of Justice’s 2024 complaint, which led the court to issue a default judgment affirming the government’s allegations and the penalties assessed in 2022. The court found Debrick’s actions, such as moving funds between banks and lying under penalty of perjury about his control of the accounts and related trusts, amounted to willful concealment.

Chief Judge James E. Boasberg wrote that “either willful blindness or reckless disregard satisfies the mental state required” for such FBAR violations. Debrick’s case is a cautionary tale for any American with assets abroad. The U.S. government is aggressive in pursuing offshore account violations, and international banks are increasingly likely to cooperate. If you have undisclosed foreign accounts, consult a tax professional immediately, before the IRS finds you first.

Why Did the Penalty Reach $2 Million?

For willful FBAR violations, the penalty can reach up to 50% of the highest account balance or $100,000, whichever is greater. With account balances in the millions, Debrick’s penalty quickly ballooned. Notably, the court pointed out that had Debrick come forward honestly through a voluntary disclosure program, he could have resolved the issue for a reduced penalty. Instead, he attempted to use a defunct IRS program and submitted false statements, which only made matters worse.

Key Takeaways for U.S. Expats

·         Full Disclosure Is Critical: U.S. citizens must report all foreign financial accounts if the aggregate balance exceeds $10,000 at any time during the year.

·         Willful Noncompliance Is Costly: The penalties for intentionally hiding accounts are severe and can amount to half of the undisclosed assets.

·         International Cooperation Is Increasing: Programs like the Swiss Bank Program mean that foreign banks are more likely than ever to report U.S. account holders.

·         Voluntary Disclosure Works—If Done Honestly: The IRS offers (or has offered) programs for voluntary disclosure, but they require full honesty and timely action.

Final Thoughts

 Debrick’s case is a cautionary tale for any American with assets abroad. The U.S. government is aggressive in pursuing offshore account violations, and international banks are increasingly likely to cooperate. If you have undisclosed foreign accounts, consult a tax professional immediately, before the IRS finds you first.

Want to Know if Voluntary Disclosure is Right for You?

Sources:

1.       https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report/us-gets-2-million-fbar-judgment-against-consultant-in-france    

2.       https://news.bloombergtax.com/daily-tax-report/us-gets-2-million-fbar-judgment-against-consultant-in-france    

3.      https://www.justice.gov/tax/swiss-bank-program 

4.      https://gordonlaw.com/learn/irs-voluntary-disclosure-program/ 

5. https://www.virginia-tax-lawyer.com/blog/2024-superior-guide-to-offshore-irs-voluntary-bank-disclosures/

Read more at: Tax Times blog

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) has published the results of an audit initiated to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of IRS revenue officer compliance sweeps on high income delinquent nonfilers. (Audit Report No. 2025-300-02)

As described in the audit, sweeps are a strategy used by Field Collection to support compliance initiatives. Sweeps address an increase in unassigned high priority inventory in an understaffed location or support a compliance initiative (e.g., egregious employment tax cases, high-income nonfilers (HINF), or specialty programs).

"HINF sweeps cases worked by revenue officers from fiscal years 2021 through 2022 were more impactful in terms of case closures and dollars collected than non-sweeps HINF cases," TIGTA said. Based on a percentage of cases worked, "revenue officers secured more returns under sweeps than non-sweeps and referred significantly more returns to Examination," it said, adding that for Tax Years 2014 through 2020, "revenue officers consistently collected more per sweep case than non-sweep case."

According to the audit, sweeps were conducted both in the U.S. and internationally. However, there are several areas in the U.S. "that have a high number of HINFs where limited or no sweeps were conducted." The areas where there are "opportunities for more sweeps" are eastern New Mexico, western Texas, northwestern Nevada, and Wyoming.

Auditors found that sweeps tracking data could be improved. Missing, incomplete, and/or inaccurate data were found in various data fields. "The IRS would benefit from complete and accurate data to track the results of sweeps," TIGTA stressed.

In addition, the audit revealed that Field Collection is not consistently using sweeps to help train employees and improve their skills. "While the sweeps desk guide provides the IRS with many opportunities to develop employee skills, Collection management is not always taking advantage of them. These activities have the potential to make sweeps an even more effective tool," the audit said.

Among its suggestions for IRS actions, TIGTA encouraged the IRS to "continue to identify and perform sweeps of all types, including assessments of high-risk geographical areas as well as issue-based sweeps."

Have an IRS Tax Problem?

for a FREE Tax HELP Contact us at:
www.TaxAid.com or www.OVDPLaw.com
or Toll Free at 888 8TAXAID (888-882-9243)

Read more at: Tax Times blog