The 23rd Annual National Institute on Criminal Tax Fraud kicks off today in San Francisco:

As it has throughout its tenure, the Institute will offer expert panelists from the defense bar, the government and the judiciary. The Institute is regularly attended by judges, federal, state and local prosecutors, other law enforcement officials, defense attorneys, corporate in-house counsel, accountants and members of the academic community. The audience includes attorneys and accountants just beginning to practice in the tax fraud area, as well as highly experienced practitioners. Attendees consistently have given the Institute high ratings for the exceptional quality of the publication. The conference always provides valuable updates on new developments and strategies, along with the opportunity to meet colleagues, renew acquaintances and exchange ideas.

This year the Institute will continue its focus on a number of important areas. Given the ever increasing complexity of IRS criminal tax investigations, the role of the forensic accountant has become even more important. The IRS also has increased its use of money laundering charges, forfeitures and asset freezes. Over the past year, the government has continued its crackdown on tax shelters with a number of high profile indictments and grand jury investigations. Similarly, the Supreme Court’s decision in Booker has continued to raise significant questions regarding the application of the federal sentencing guidelines. The program also will provide nuts-and-bolts techniques for responding to a criminal tax fraud investigation.

For a list of the speakers and their topics, see the program.