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Can the IRS arrest me in Panama for tax evasion in the US?

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Davidwon
  7/28/2019 19:51 EST

Long story short, I owe a few hundred thousand to the IRS which I haven't even filed for the past few years. As of now they have not knocked on my door. Just a couple of letters. I'm investing in something that will pay me enough to pay them and have some money left for myself but until then, I'd like to be out of their reach and not risk going to jail. Does anyone know if the IRS can have the Panama authorities arrest me and send me back to the US? I would think that I'm not a big enough fish for them to do that but again, I know nothing about being a "tax fugitive" so if anyone has any advice I'd greatly appreciate it.

Odem
  7/29/2019 05:02 EST

Not exactly. There is no tax treaty between the US and Panama. However there is an extradition treaty between the two countries, for criminal acts. Email me off list for a further discussion of this [email protected]

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Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
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ranadelnorte
  7/29/2019 07:36 EST

A couple of points for you to consider:
1-Panama has real-time access to FBI and Interpol databases. If you have any outstanding arrest warrants or are even named as a “person of interest” in those files, you’ll be denied entrance to Panama at the border.
2-For US citizens, the length of a tourist visa is 180 days, 90 days if you want to drive. You’d have to leave the country for 30 days to renew the tourist visa at the end of this period. It is not advisable to overstay your visa, thereby becoming an illegal alien in Panama.

JaimeC
  7/29/2019 10:47 EST

If you fly back in you DO NOT need to be out 30 days (my personal experience). Re taxes: the US Marshal has hauled people out of Panama on fugitive warrants. My understanding is that if it is not a crime in Panama they will not agree to extradition (but that did happen to a German guy I knew for back German taxes). So Panama rule of law is dicey at best.

Travelocity
  7/29/2019 17:01 EST

...not sure if they would come knocking on your door, but for sure they have IRS agents working out of panama in their embassy.
...for sure you must stay put in case your passport expires and you will be probably shipped back to where you came from because your passport will not be renewed due to your unpaid IRS debt: (I asked google this)

Can you get a passport if you owe taxes? The short answer is maybe, as it depends on how much money you owe the IRS. If you owe a substantial amount, which is considered to be more than $51,000 in back taxes, penalties, and interest, then you may be denied a passport.Sep 8, 2018

jr555
  7/29/2019 17:20 EST

I don’t know how much time you have before your passport needs to be renewed, but at some stage you will need to step into a US embassy to renew it. That’s when I’d fear being pulled aside.

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Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.

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Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
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dogbone
  7/29/2019 17:25 EST

You bet US marshals have hauled people out of Panama and I expect they will continue to do so. In the time I have been here, I have seen it twice. It does not matter what the laws are in Panama. They will step on Panama like a bug.

Davidwon
  7/29/2019 17:43 EST

Thanks for the replies folks! I think I might be better off looking at another country then. I was really excited about Panama though. Oh well, I've played stupid games now I have to pay stupid prices...

ranaverde
  7/29/2019 18:38 EST

Huh? There is an extradition treaty and this relationship means that US Marshalls arrest and extradite people from Panama only with the cooperation of Panamanian authorities.
Besides if you are evading taxes the IRS has the responsibility to come after you.
That is unless you are a connected party donor, politician or such. Then you get a pardon or a pass.

FredfromArkansas
  7/29/2019 19:13 EST

The best defense I have seen is to declare bankruptcy until you raise the cash to pay your taxes.

Odem
  7/29/2019 19:54 EST

IRS pulled the last agents on station about 5 years ago. As I recall the last were London, Paris, Bonn.

They will send an agent or 2 for a major case like the Swiss bank where there were multiple arrests and $$ Billions in fines.

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Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
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Davidwon
  7/29/2019 20:28 EST

I was told it's 3 years after filing. I haven't filled since 2014 and majority of the money I'll owe is from 2017.

Davidwon
  7/29/2019 20:35 EST

Tried to email you but the email came back as undeliverable.

jonoyakker
  7/29/2019 22:21 EST

Ranaverde, actually if you are a criminal donor, you are made a Cabinet Secretary.

Odem
  7/29/2019 22:40 EST

Not really. If you have a refund, if you file within 3 years of the due date you may still get the refund.

if you owe then, maybe, after you file your return, repeat maybe depending on facts and circumstances, maybe after 6 years, I can get you out of paying.

Lots of ifs and pieces.

Odem
  7/29/2019 22:45 EST

Declaring bankruptcy is only good on taxes that have been filed AND ASSESSED for 2 years PLUS a number of days that depends on facts and circumstances. Think almost another year.

jsin
  7/30/2019 13:08 EST

Stop playing games and pay the outstanding debt. If you have unfiled returns, make an effort to get them filed. There is no statute of limitations on unfiled returns

ssaunders88
  7/30/2019 13:08 EST

Hi Dave - usually back taxes are 'civil' issues - not criminal. You should contact a tax specialist - someone that has worked in the IRS and is now in private practise. (Offer & Compromise Deal) However, as someone else has posted, you might be affected if you owe more than $50K - in regard passport renewal.

I would consult a tax speciaist..

good luck

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