Not2Taxing, Inc.

10/15/2026

Press Release
Staffing Business Owner and Son Indicted for Employment Tax and Wire Fraud Schemes
Thursday, October 15, 2026
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For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs
Created False Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy Certificates to Deceive Clients

A federal grand jury in the District of Minnesota returned an indictment today charging Ku Kelvin Vue and his son, Travis Vue, with willfully failing to collect, account for and pay over employment taxes to the IRS on behalf of the staffing business they operated, and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Ku Kelvin Vue was also charged with willfully failing to file corporate tax returns, and Travis Vue was charged with filing a false individual tax return and willfully failing to file individual tax returns.

The following is according to the indictment: Ku Kelvin Vue was the owner and president of UniSelect Services Inc., a temporary staffing agency that provided temporary workers to client companies in the manufacturing industry and other industries. Travis Vue helped run the company as early as 2014. Both men were allegedly responsible for withholding Social Security, Medicare and income taxes from UniSelect’s employees’ wages and paying those withholdings over to the IRS, as well as filing quarterly tax returns with the IRS documenting those withholdings. According to the indictment, however, from the third quarter of 2020 through the second quarter of 2022, neither Ku Kelvin Vue nor Travis Vue collected those taxes or paid them over to the IRS, nor filed quarterly tax returns with the IRS.

The indictment also alleges that Ku Kelvin Vue willfully failed to file corporate tax returns on behalf of UniSelect for the years 2020 through 2022. It is alleged that Travis Vue willfully failed to file individual tax returns for the years 2021 through 2023. Travis Vue also allegedly filed a false tax return for 2020 reporting zero wages or income, even though he received substantially greater wages and income during that year and was required to file a tax return.

In addition to their tax crimes, the indictment also charges Ku Kelvin Vue and Travis Vue with one count each of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to the indictment, the Vues conspired to secure business for UniSelect by falsely assuring clients the company maintained active workers’ compensation insurance coverage for all UniSelect employees furnished to the clients as temporary workers. In reality, UniSelect allegedly did not maintain workers’ compensation insurance coverage on behalf of its workers. Instead, Kelvin Vue and Travis Vue allegedly conspired to create false and fraudulent workers’ compensation insurance policy certificates, which they provided to clients to deceive them into believing UniSelect maintained insurance coverage.

Both defendants face maximum penalties of 20 years in prison for the wire fraud conspiracy count, five years in prison for each count of willful failure to collect, account for and pay over employment taxes and one year in prison for each count of willful failure to file a tax return. Travis Vue also faces a maximum penalty of three years in prison for filing a false tax return.

Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen for the District of Minnesota made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Assistant Deputy Chief Eric B. Powers and Trial Attorney Megan E. Wessel of the Fraud Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Updated October 15, 2026

10/15/2026

Press Release
San Diego Man Pleads Guilty to Tax Evasion
Thursday, October 15, 2026
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For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs
Attempted to Evade More than $6.7M in Taxes

A California man pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Peter L. Roper, of San Diego, operated various La Jolla-based businesses that marketed and sold purported federal tax credits throughout the United States. Between 2010 through 2021, Roper and his businesses received nearly $19 million in income, on which he owed more than $6.7 million in federal income taxes. Roper and his businesses, however, did not report any of this income on tax returns or pay taxes to the IRS. Throughout this period, Roper used his businesses’ bank accounts to pay personal expenses and concealed assets by titling them in the names of others. Instead of paying taxes, Roper spent $187,432.34 on a 2015 McLaren 650S Spider and another $277,698.50 on a 2021 Aston Martin DBX, among other things.

Roper pleaded guilty to one count of tax evasion. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 8 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon for the Southern District of California made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys John C. Gerardi and Charles A. O’Reilly of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Nathan Brooks for the Southern District of California are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.
Updated October 15, 2026

10/14/2026

Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027
Social Security Administration sent this bulletin at 10/14/2026 09:29 AM EDT

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Wednesday, October 14, 2026

For Immediate Release


Barton Mackey, Press Officer

[email protected]
Social Security Administration News Release
Social Security Announces 3.6 Percent Benefit Increase for 2027

Baltimore, MD - The Social Security Administration (SSA) today announced a 3.6 percent benefit increase for 2027. Social Security benefits include Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance (OASDI), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). On average, Social Security retirement benefits will increase by $75 per month.

Nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will see a 3.6 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) beginning in January 2027. Increased payments to about 7.3 million people receiving SSI will begin on December 31, 2026. (Note: Some people receive both Social Security benefits and SSI).

“Social Security will implement this cost-of-living adjustment for 76 million Americans, giving them greater financial stability,” said Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano. “Under President Donald J. Trump, Social Security is delivering better, faster, higher-quality service for the American people."

Individuals with personal my Social Security accounts can view their COLA notice online starting in late November—up to three weeks earlier than receiving a paper notice in the mail. Account holders can also choose to receive text or email alerts when a new message, including their COLA notice, is available in their personal my Social Security account’s Message Center. Individuals who do not have a personal account will need to create one and enroll in paperless notices by November 18 to see their COLA notice online. Create an account today at www.ssa.gov/myaccount.

Individuals who have not enrolled in paperless notices in my Social Security will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

Social Security beneficiaries will receive a simplified, one-page COLA notice, which uses plain and personalized language, and provides exact dates and dollar amounts of an individual’s new benefit amount and any deductions.

Information about Medicare changes for 2027 will be available at www.medicare.gov. For Medicare enrollees, the 2027 premium amount will be available via my Social Security Message Center starting in late November. Individuals who have not opted to receive messages online will receive their COLA notice by mail in December.

The Social Security Act provides for how the COLA is calculated. The Social Security Act ties the annual COLA to the increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) as determined by the Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For additional information, visit www.ssa.gov/cola.

NOTE TO CORRESPONDENTS: Here is the COLA 2027 Fact Sheet showing an easy-to-understand overview of all the various automatic adjustments for 2027.

For more information about Social Security’s services, visit www.ssa.gov.

10/09/2026

July Tax Case of the Month

Financial trail unravels a Kansas City tax preparer’s fraud, identity theft scheme

It started with someone else’s identity. In December 2019, Kansas City tax preparer Bianca Cobbins obtained another person’s name, date of birth, Social Security number, address and credit score. She used the stolen information to obtain a fraudulent driver’s license, then worked with another individual to open a bank account in the victim’s name.

Cobbins created fake paystubs that made it appear the victim worked for a Kansas City healthcare company and had wages deposited into the account. Armed with a stolen identity, fabricated employment records and a bank account, Cobbins and her co-conspirator applied for loans from multiple financial institutions and lenders, resulting in a $36,128 loss for the victim.

As investigators followed the financial trail, they uncovered a much larger pattern of fraud. Cobbins owned and operated a Kansas City tax preparation business, where clients trusted her to accurately prepare their federal tax returns. Instead, investigators found she knowingly prepared false tax returns from 2018 through 2023.

Cobbins frequently reported fictitious business profits or losses on Schedule C forms to inflate her clients’ refunds. IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) special agents ultimately identified at least 60 false federal tax returns that caused more than $312,000 in losses to the IRS.

The same records Cobbins used to make her schemes appear legitimate helped law enforcement unravel them because they created a trail of fraudulent activity. In July, Cobbins was sentenced to 45 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release, for making false statements to a financial institution and aiding in the preparation of false tax returns.

Each month, IRS-CI selects one criminal case as the Tax Case of the Month. The July Tax Case of the Month was investigated by the IRS-CI Kansas City Field Office.
August Tax Case of the Month

California tax preparer sentenced to 27 months in prison for $6.48M tax fraud scheme

For more than a decade, California tax preparer Ann Quach cited businesses on her clients’ tax returns that had one major problem, they didn’t exist.

The fictitious businesses were part of a scheme that stretched from 2011 to 2024 and ultimately resulted in 1,734 false federal tax returns and nearly $6.5 million in losses to the U.S. Treasury.

Quach operated AQ Financial, also known as A2Z Tax Solutions, in Thousand Oaks, California. As she prepared clients’ returns, she reported fabricated losses from nonexistent businesses and used those losses to offset her clients’ tax liabilities.

Quach also frequently claimed deductions for medical expenses and charitable contributions that her clients were not entitled to receive. Together, the false losses and deductions reduced the amount of taxes owed, sometimes enough to turn a tax liability into a refund.

IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) special agents investigated the scheme, uncovering a 13-year pattern of fictitious losses and false deductions.

Quach pleaded guilty to one count of aiding in the preparation of false tax returns and one count of wire fraud. In August, she was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $6.48 million in restitution.

Each month, IRS-CI selects one criminal case as the Tax Case of the Month. The August Tax Case of the Month was investigated by the IRS-CI Los Angeles Field Office.

09/15/2026

IRS reminder: Direct Pay offers free, easy way to pay taxes

IR-2026-109, Sept.10, 2026

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today reminded taxpayers who have bank accounts that Direct Pay offers a free, secure way to pay federal taxes directly from a checking or savings account.

Direct Pay is available on IRS.gov and allows taxpayers to make one-time payments from their bank account without signing in or paying fees. Taxpayers answer a few basic questions to verify their identity, and no registration is required. For individual payments, Direct Pay uses information from a prior-year tax return selected by the taxpayer. For business payments, Direct Pay verifies the business name and employer identification number (EIN) against IRS records.

"As the IRS continues to support the broader federal effort to modernize payments to and from the government, Direct Pay gives taxpayers a free, secure, and convenient way to pay directly from a bank account,” said IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank J. Bisignano. "This is part of our ongoing effort to make it easier for taxpayers to interact with the IRS and take care of their tax responsibilities online.

Taxpayers can use Direct Pay for individual tax payments, including balance due payments, estimated tax payments, amended return payments, extension payments, and other federal income tax payments. If taxpayers are married and file jointly, they must enter information for the spouse whose name is listed first on the tax return when they make their payment. Business taxpayers can use Direct Pay to make balance due payments, federal tax deposits, and other federal tax payments.

With Direct Pay, taxpayers can quickly handle many common payment tasks online and choose the payment date that works best for them. Direct Pay allows taxpayers to:

Make a same-day payment or schedule a payment up to 365 days in advance.
Receive a confirmation number and the option for email confirmation.
Change or cancel a scheduled payment up to two business days before the payment date.
Pay directly from a U.S. financial institution using bank routing and account numbers'
Direct Pay cannot be used to receive tax refunds by direct deposit. Taxpayers who have never filed a tax return, or who have not filed in more than six years, may need to use another payment option.

Each Direct Pay payment must be less than $10 million. Taxpayers who need to make payment of $10 million or more can use a same-day wire or the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS), if they are already enrolled.

To make a payment, taxpayers can visit Direct Pay with bank account and select “Pay individual tax” or “Pay business tax.” Before making a payment, taxpayers must verify their identity by providing individual or business information. For more information about payment types, scheduling, confirmation numbers, and other payment options, visit Direct Pay Help.

09/15/2026

Estimated taxes aren’t just for the self-employed

Typically, people who are self-employed pay their federal income tax by making estimated tax payments. However, they aren’t the only ones that may need to pay estimated tax. Federal income tax is a pay-as-you-go tax. Which means the tax must be paid as income is earned or received during the year. The two ways federal taxes are paid are either through withholding or estimated tax.

Taxpayers who receive income from sources not subject to withholding or don’t have enough withheld, may have to make estimated tax payments. The next estimated tax payment due date is Sept. 15. Let’s take a closer look at who may have to pay estimated tax to ensure they are meeting their tax obligations.

Who may pay estimated tax
Self-employed individuals typically pay their tax this way. Even if a taxpayer isn’t self-employed, they still may have to pay estimated tax if they receive income from sources such as:

Interest
Dividends
Alimony
Capital gains
Royalties
Rents
Prizes and awards
Generally, individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, and S corporation shareholders, must make estimated tax payments if they expect to owe tax of $1,000 or more when their return is filed. Estimated tax is used to pay not only income tax but other taxes such as self-employment tax and alternative minimum tax.

Ways to pay
Taxpayers can pay online, use Form 1040-ES and pay by mail, or by phone. Additionally, individuals can pay through their IRS Individual Online Account, where they can also see their payment history and other tax records.
Businesses can now make most common business tax payments, including estimated taxes and federal tax deposits, through their Business Tax Account or Direct Pay for businesses.

Most taxpayers who make estimated tax payments pay on a quarterly basis. However, they can also be made weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. if they have paid enough in by the end of the quarter. Visit IRS.gov/payments to view all the options. For additional information, refer to Publication 505, Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax.

Avoid penalties
Taxpayers who didn’t pay enough tax during the year, either through withholding or by making estimated tax payments, may have to pay a penalty. Generally, the IRS can figure this penalty for them.

Knowing the requirements and paying on time is key to avoiding any penalties.

Make payments, view your account or apply for a payment plan with the IRS.

09/03/2026

Press Release
Seven Charged in $57M Tax Refund Fraud Scheme
Thursday, September 3, 2026
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For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs
Defendants Filed Over 100 Fictitious Financial Instruments with the IRS to Obtain Refunds
A superseding indictment was unsealed yesterday charging an Idaho man and woman and five non-Idaho residents with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, making false claims and money laundering. The conspirators allegedly prepared and submitted false tax returns and fictitious financial instruments to the IRS.

“As alleged, this group of fraudsters participated in a $57 million tax fraud scheme, filing over 100 fictious returns and ultimately receiving more than $8 million in taxpayer dollars from the IRS,” said Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the National Fraud Enforcement Division. “The Fraud Division will continue working vigorously to investigate and prosecute tax fraud schemes like these across the country. Fraudsters should never be allowed to rip off the United States of America.”

According to the superseding indictment, from 2023 through 2024, Andrea and Kent Shannon of Kuna, Idaho, Monika Skinger of Chicago, Illinois, Sherita Chandler of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Saule Moshkanova of Roseville, California, Tiffany Nichols of Suwanee, Georgia, and Stacey Rice of Manteca, California, along with unindicted conspirators, allegedly conspired to commit wire fraud by assisting one another in fraudulently claiming refunds in amounts totaling more than $57 million by preparing and submitting false individual and trust tax returns and fictitious financial instruments to the IRS. The conspirators allegedly received more than $8 million from the IRS. Moshkanova, Nichols, and Rice were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Andrea and Kent Shannon, Skinger and Chandler were previously charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Andrea and Kent Shannon were also charged with committing multiple acts of wire fraud, making false claims to the United States and engaging in money laundering by purchasing personal property such as luxury cars with their fraudulently obtained refunds.

If convicted, the conspirators face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for the conspiracy charge. Andrea and Kent Shannon face an additional maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge and a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each false claim charge. Kent Shannon faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for the money laundering charge.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney David F. Scollan of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittney Campbell for the District of Idaho are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the National Fraud Enforcement Division (Fraud Division). The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Updated September 3, 2026

09/03/2026

Press Release
Minnesota Man Pleads Guilty to Filing a False Claim with the IRS
Thursday, September 3, 2026
For Immediate Release
Office of Public Affairs
A Minnesota man pleaded guilty yesterday to filing a false claim with the IRS.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Philip Nelson Green filed false individual income tax returns with the IRS for the years 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. Each of these tax returns reported multiple false or fraudulent items, including false wage information, itemized deductions, withholding amounts and child and dependent care expenses. For the years 2021 and 2022, Green filed false tax returns that collectively sought more than $500,000 in refunds he was not entitled to receive.

Green pleaded guilty to one count of making a false claim. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 28, 2027 and faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution and monetary penalties. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Colin M. McDonald of the Justice Department’s National Fraud Enforcement Division and U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen for the District of Minnesota made the announcement.

IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case.

Trial Attorneys Charles A. O’Reilly and Daniel R. Glenn of the National Fraud Enforcement Division’s Tax Section are prosecuting the case.

On April 7, the Department of Justice announced the creation of the Fraud Division. The Fraud Division is laser-focused on investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the American people. The Department’s work to combat fraud supports President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, a whole-of-government effort chaired by Vice President J.D. Vance to eliminate fraud, waste, and abuse within Federal benefit programs.

Updated September 3, 2026

SAME LAST NAME AS SHEVA AND I BUT NO RELATION

09/03/2026

What taxpayers should know about IRS third party authorizations
Taxpayers can give a third party the authority to help with federal tax matters. Depending on the type of authorization, this could be a family member or friend, or a tax professional, attorney or business.
There are different types of third-party authorizations with specific roles assigned. Additionally, taxpayers who want to have a third party represent them must formally grant them permission to do so.
Different types of third-party authorizations:
Power of Attorney – Allows someone to represent a taxpayer when resolving tax matters with the IRS. With this authorization, the representative must be an individual authorized to practice before the IRS and Form 2848, Power of Attorney and Declaration of Representative must be completed. A POA can do several things, such as:
Represent, advocate, negotiate and sign on behalf of the taxpayer
Argue facts and the application of law
Receive tax information for the matters and tax years/periods specified by the taxpayer
Receive copies of IRS notices and communications
Tax Information Authorization – Appoints a person to review or receive a taxpayer's confidential tax information for the type of tax for a specified period using form 8821.
Third Party Designee – Designates a person on the taxpayer's tax form to discuss that specific tax return and tax year with the IRS.
Oral Disclosure – Authorizes the IRS to disclose the taxpayer's tax info to a person the taxpayer brings into a phone call or meeting with the IRS about a specific tax issue.
Revoking a third-party authorization
A taxpayer can choose to revoke any authorization at any time.
Power of Attorney stays in place until the taxpayer revokes the authorization or the representative withdraws it.
Tax Information Authorization stays in effect until it is revoked by the taxpayer or the designee withdraws it.
Third Party Designee generally expires one year from the due date of the tax return, not counting extensions.
Oral disclosure, unless it’s stated otherwise, is automatically revoked once the conversation has ended. If the taxpayer wants additional oral disclosure exceeding the original request, a new authorization will be required.
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09/02/2026

How taxpayers can reconstruct records after a disaster

Some taxpayers may need to reconstruct vital records that were lost in a disaster. Having these records is important for tax purposes, federal assistance or insurance reimbursement. Here are a few steps people who were affected by a disaster can take if they need to obtain their lost records.

Replace tax records
A recent tip explained the different types of tax transcripts and how to get them. The most common type needed after a disaster loss is a tax return transcript. Taxpayers can:

Register to use Individual Online Account to view, print, or download their transcript(s)
Order a transcript by mail or call the automated phone transcript service at 800-908-9946. This typically takes between 5 to 10 calendar days for delivery.
Request by submitting Form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return.
Financial and bank records
Credit card companies and banks often provide users with access to past statements.

Reconstruct personal property records
Photos, videos, canceled checks, receipts can help establish the value of damaged or lost property. They can also check online sources to help determine fair market value.

Real property records

Property documents: Contact the title or escrow company or bank that handled the purchase of the home or other property for copies of the records.
Home improvements: Get in touch with the contractors who did the work and ask for statements to verify the work and cost. They can also get written descriptions from friends and relatives who saw the house before and after any improvements.
Inherited property: Check court records for probate values. If a trust or estate existed, taxpayers can contact the attorney who handled the trust.
No records: People with no records available should check the county assessor's office for old records that might address the value of the property.
Vehicle records
Vehicle owners can research the current fair-market value for most vehicles. Resources are available online and at most libraries. They can also contact the dealer where the car was purchased and ask for a copy of the contract.
Taxpayers in a disaster area may now see personalized messages in their IRS Individual Online Account. The messages highlight tax relief, including extended filing and payment deadlines as well as a link to other disaster assistance information. They can also find news about disaster tax relief specific to their area on the Around the nation page of IRS.gov.

More information

Publication 3067, IRS Disaster Assistance
Publication 547, Casualties, Disasters, and Thefts
Publication 584, Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
Publication 584-B, Business Casualty, Disaster, and Theft Loss Workbook
DisasterAssistance.gov
FAQs for disaster victims