Recent instances of exposure by the press of aggressive tax planning and tax avoidance by prominent businesses, individuals or families raise unique substantive, ethical, and other legal issues for the tax community. Practitioners advising famous clients may need to assess not only the likelihood of future examinations, but also public disclosure due to whistleblowers, cooperators, and data leaks.

Reporters investigating past tax compliance may recruit tax professionals for technical assistance and expertise to uncover suspect transactions, unreported income, or improper deductions or credits. The release of such information, and related commentary from various media outlets, may pressure Federal and state tax authorities, law enforcement officials, or regulators to open audits or investigations that could result in substantial tax adjustments and/or various civil and criminal penalties. This panel explored these issues from a variety of perspectives.

Moderator: Professor Lee-Ford Tritt, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL

Panelists: David Caye Johnston, DCReport.Org, Rochester, NY; Caroline D. Ciraolo, Kostelanetz & Fink LLP, Washington, DC; Michael H. Plowgian, KPMG LLP, Washington, DC; Professor Michael Lang, Chapman University, Orange, CA