The CNMI government is working to identify and pursue tax crimes, including tax evasion and tax fraud.

“Tax fraud is theft and will not be tolerated,” the Department of Finance said in a recent press release.

DOF said it is collaborating with the Division of Revenue and Taxation and the Attorney General’s Office on those cases.

DOF also said tax fraud happens when a person or company willfully intentionally fails to pay taxes owed, willfully fails to file a federal income tax return, fails to report all income, or makes false or fraudulent claims.

“In addition, employers have a legal obligation to collect and pay over taxes withheld from employee wages to DRT. Any person who willfully fails to comply with these obligations can be held criminally liable. The law also provides for a civil penalty equal to the total amount of the tax not collected and paid over. This penalty can be imposed on any responsible person, which could include an officer of a corporation, a partner, a sole proprietor, or an employee,” they said.

They encourage anyone with information regarding potential tax fraud or other tax crimes to contact: the Division of Revenue & Taxation at (670) 664-1040, the Office of the Public Auditor at (670) 235-3937, or the Office of the Attorney General at (670) 237-7500.