Robber gets cash, leaves W-2

March 12, 2008

Tax preparers in the Des Moines, Iowa, please be on the lookout for a prospective client who needs, in addition to general filing help, some assistance in getting a replacement W-2 form.

And by the way, he might pay you in stolen funds.

Criminal_5A man who robbed a convenience store made off with about $115, according to the Des Moines Register. But he left the police a great clue.

In his haste to clear the crime scene, he left behind his jacket. In a pocket, officers found  a W-2 form they are sure belongs to the man.

The taxpayer named on the W-2, say police, is already on probation for theft. They showed
his photograph to the clerk, who confirmed that it was indeed the robbery suspect.

I wonder if he knows that the IRS also considers that ill-gotten $115 as taxable income?

Thanks to
Joe Kristan of the Tax Updates Blog for Roth & Company, CPA, in lovely Des Moines for the tip. You can read Joe's report on the robbery here.

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