Soccer Star Will Have to Go to Trial for Alleged Tax Evasion

The ongoing tax saga of soccer star Lionel Messi will continue. That news comes after a judge in Spain ruled that the Barcelona FC star would indeed have to stand trial for tax fraud charges in association with his many endorsement deals with foreign companies. The news comes just days after a report stated that Mr. Messi would not have to go to trial, and that only his father would face the courtroom.

Not So Fast

However, the Spanish judge ruled otherwise and said that Mr. Messi and his father should both have to go to trial. Even though his lawyers argued that Mr. Messi did not have any hands-on dealings with his endorsement contracts, the judge ruled that he “couldn’t have ignored” that a large part of his revenue was coming from foreign companies. If he is convicted, the soccer star could receive a sentence for as long as 22 months.

No Jail Time Likely

However, the good news for Mr. Messi is that even if he is found guilty of the charges he will most likely not spend any time behind bars. That’s because sentences for financial crimes shorter than two years are typically suspended according to Spanish law. In addition, Mr. Messi and his father have reportedly either already paid, or have agreed to pay, the missing tax money, plus interest.

Posted in
FATCA Letter

How to Respond to That FATCA Letter You Just Received in the Mail

How to Respond to That FATCA Letter You Just Received in the Mail Are you among the many Americans who have a bank account(s) in another country? If you are, then you have probably received a letter in the mail recently from the IRS. If you haven’t, then it’s almost assuredly on its way. So…

Investors: A Growing Taste For Exotic Fare; Job Search Expenses Can be Tax Deductible

Job Search Expenses Can be Tax Deductible

Can job search expenses be tax deductible? Summertime is the season that often leads to major life decisions, such as buying a home, moving or a job change. If you are looking for a new job that is in the same line of work, you may be able to deduct some of your job hunting…

IRS Simplifies Tip Reporting

IRS Simplifies Tip Reporting The Internal Revenue Service today released formal guidance on its new tip reporting procedure, the Attributed Tip Income Program (ATIP) ATIP expands the existing IRS tip reporting and education program by offering employers in the food and beverage industry an additional tip reporting program. ATIP reduces industry recordkeeping burdens, has simple…

GROCO Receives Recognition From Fremont Education Foundation

GROCO Receives Recognition From Fremont Education Foundation

GROCO Receives Recognition From Fremont Education Foundation Fremont, CA – February 23, 2006 – Greenstein Rogoff Olsen & Co. (GROCO), Top Bay Area CPA Firm, is pleased to announce they were recognized by the Fremont Education Foundation as a Foundation Sponsor for 2006. At the Fremont Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 Fremont…