February 11th, 2016 by WCBC Radio
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot was joined by tax preparers and accountants this week as he asked lawmakers to give his agents greater authority to track down tax cheats and identity thieves.
"Unscrupulous preparers are preying on unknowing taxpayers … They are growing more sophisticated and brazen," Franchot told members of the House of Delegates Judiciary Committee.
Franchot pitched a broad bill that he said would help his office do a better job building criminal cases against the increasing number of cheats who take advantage of taxpayers.
The bill would allow the comptroller's agents — who already investigate alcohol, fuel and tobacco cases — to be able to issue subpoenas and search warrants in income tax cases.
It would also extend the statute of limitations in such cases from three years to six years. Franchot said it can take time to build a solid case to present to prosecutors.
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