Tax Evasion

From hip replacements to pole dancing classes, here are some of the most outlandish deductions taxpayers have ever attempted to claim. You won't believe what these people tried that their accountants said wouldn't fly -- and you really won't believe what did (literally).

If you have proof of financial crime -- corporate malfeasance or tax evasion, say -- you shouldn't keep it to yourself: Rewards for whistleblowers can reach as high as 15 to 30 percent of the money recovered by the government. Read on for some recent examples of richly rewarded whistleblowing, as well as tips for anyone thinking of blowing the whistle.

When people play fast and loose with their taxes, they often leave their spouses -- and ex-spouses -- in the dark. Until now, those innocent wives and husbands had only two years to file for relief, even if they didn't know about the problem until it was too late. Now, the IRS is eliminating the deadline.

Microsoft delivers blowout earnings, and shares open lower the following morning. It seems bizarre, but it's part of a larger trend in technology stocks. And Wall Street's muted reaction is a sign that investors are finally catching on to Microsoft's game -- i.e., avoiding US taxes.

In light of actor and rapper Ja Rule pleading guilty to tax evasion, and becoming the latest in a string of celebrities with tax troubles, many people are no doubt asking: "Why can't celebrities pay their taxes like the rest of us?" But before we all jump on the kick-a-celebrity-while-he's-down...

Rapper and actor Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, pleaded guilty Tuesday to failing to pay federal income taxes on more than $3 million earned between 2004 and 2006. He faces up to three years in prison for the charges, as well as penalties.

Celebrities usually crave the spotlight. But some well-known people have attracted a lot of attention they didn't want -- from the IRS. While Wesley Snipes and Willie Nelson may be the poster boys for celebrity tax troubles, these other famous faces are some of the latest to get their 15...

The IRS has eased its tax lien policy, giving taxpayers and businesses more opportunities to pay unpaid taxes before being hit with a lien. But while the changes should provide some welcome relief to newly struggling taxpayers, they're unlikely to help those who are already the subject of a lien.

The Internal Revenue Service announced a new disclosure initiative to encourage people to bring money held offshore back into the U.S. tax system. Individuals can bring their money back into the U.S. system, provided they pay a penalty, back-taxes and interest for as many as eight years, the IRS...

The holidays are for family. That's what actor Wesley Snipes is arguing to a federal judge. Snipes, who is expected to report to federal prison on December 9, has filed an "Emergency Motion To Stay Self Surrender," asking instead to report on January 6, 2011. Pending the outcome of the petition,...