You Can’t Cheat The IRS

Brian Becker and his wife, Lynn Becker, residents of New York had an outstanding balance owed to the IRS in excess of $224,000 for previous years of individual tax returns. The IRS revenue officer assigned to their case sent a Notice of Levy for their wages to both the Becker’s employers. After two months, the officer discovered that the IRS did not receive the expected wage garnishments and contacted both employers, who stated they both received a Release of Levy. The revenue officer stated that neither he nor anyone at the IRS issued that release. 

 In speaking with the HR manager at Brian Becker’s place of employment, it was confirmed that the Release of Levy had been provided by Brian Becker personally, which he claimed was faxed to him. The logo and sending fax number on the cover sheet revealed it came from his wife’s company. Lynn Becker’s employer also confirmed they received the Release of Levy by fax and the sending fax number was Brian Becker’s employer. Both releases contained the revenue officer’s signature but the name under the signature line was a different name. 

Brian Becker was arrested and charged with impersonating a federal employee and attempting to interfere with the administration of the Internal Revenue laws. It just goes to show – when it comes to tax fraud, it doesn’t pay to play.