Partner Caroline Ciraolo and Director of Investigations Don Fort are members of the faculty for the 61st Annual Hawaii Tax Institute which takes place November 3-7 on the island of Oahu. This event provides unparalleled education and professional development opportunities delivered by a diverse and distinguished faculty of recognized tax and wealth transfer authorities with a positive approach to current and practical subjects. This event is designed for attorneys, accountants, financial planners, planned giving professionals, bank and trust administrators, insurance agents, elder law specialists, non-profit administrators, wealth management professionals, enrolled agents, educators, and others who would benefit from high-quality continuing education.

Caroline will participate in the following three Hawaii Tax Institute sessions:

Monday, November 4, 1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: Is the Tide Turning? Current Developments Regarding International Information Return Penalties and Ethical Considerations

Over the past decade, the IRS has assessed staggering civil penalties for failure to comply with international reporting obligations involving foreign financial accounts and taxpayers’ interest in, and transactions with, foreign entities and trusts. After years of challenging these penalties with only limited success, taxpayers are achieving relief through litigation and, more recently, administrative appeals. This session will discuss the current developments, trends, and best practices in addressing non-compliance and related penalties in the international tax space.

Tuesday, November 5, 6:30 AM – 7:45 AM: Tax Treaties for the Wealth Transfer Professional

The United States has income tax and wealth transfer tax treaties with a number of foreign countries. Under these treaties, residents (not necessarily citizens) of foreign countries may be eligible to be taxed at a reduced rate, minimize wealth transfer taxation, and avoid double taxation that can arise when two countries both have the right to tax a decedent/taxpayer. Learn about this fascinating and usually misunderstood area of wealth transfer taxation and planning.

Tuesday, November 5, 11 AM – 11:45 AM: How the IRS Is Changing and What to Expect in the Future

Explore from behind the scenes, how the IRS is changing, who and what areas the IRS is currently focusing on, how the IRS is using technology, social media and artificial intelligence and what to expect in the future. This fascinating session will discuss and provide valuable information to all Wealth Transfer Advisor so they can better advise and protect their clients.

Don will participate in the following two Hawaii Tax Institute sessions:

Tuesday, November 5, 11 AM – 11:45 AM: How the IRS Is Changing and What to Expect in the Future

Explore from behind the scenes, how the IRS is changing, who and what areas the IRS is currently focusing on, how the IRS is using technology, social media and artificial intelligence and what to expect in the future. This fascinating session will discuss and provide valuable information to all Wealth Transfer Advisor so they can better advise and protect their clients.

Wednesday, November 6, 2:30 PM – 3:20 PM: Conducting Financial Investigations from Both Sides of the Aisle

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of methodologies, strategies, and techniques in conducting financial investigations from both the prosecution (government) and defense perspectives. The discussion will encompass a detailed examination of the distinct approaches utilized by each side. Learn from the prosecution standpoint, how the focus is on gathering irrefutable evidence through methods such as forensic accounting, data analysis, and legal instruments like subpoenas and search warrants, all while adhering to strict legal standards and ensuring evidence integrity. Discover conversely, how the defense aims to protect the client’s rights by critically analyzing the prosecution’s evidence, identifying procedural errors, and conducting independent forensic analyses to uncover exculpatory information. Understand that both perspectives require a deep understanding of financial systems, legal frameworks, and ethical considerations, as well as the ability to collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of experts to achieve a thorough and balanced investigation.