Legal Question in Business Law in New York

Not sure what this falls under however I have a question. I know of a couple been together for 20 years in NEW YORK STATE married but the wife kept her maiden name and the husband his surname. Now the husband has big reputable business's and files his taxes accordingly. The wife however decided to open a wedding planning business some 6 to 7 years ago. It has been doing well and generating income through paypal and checks. When she needs to take credit cards she would take them through the husbands business merchant account. She tells everyone that her name is (first name) husbands last name for clout but her identification is her maiden name. She uses this in all of her websites and speaking to clients. She does not have a tax id of her own nor pay business taxes. Now I am assuming she is guilty of tax evasion but what else as it is a business that is generated by a blog site and does not pay its own taxes. Kind of free income. Now the use of not her legit name on business transactions and blogs and domains ' operating a business ' constitute fraud as well? Also is the husband guilty of money laundering or some sort of violation by charging credit cards through his business machine and giving her the money? Also if this is all true how do you go about reporting this and to whom and possibly annonymously.


Asked on 12/14/13, 1:12 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Marshall Isaacs Marshall R. Isaacs, Attorney At Law

If neither of these people has apparently caused you any damage, why would you invest so much time and energy "tattling" on them? Vengeance of some sort? If it helps, I have clients who have attempted to report their adversaries' illicit conduct to the District Attorney, the Attorney General, the Internal Revenue Service and the like. However, those entities have their hands full chasing murderers, rapists and major white collar criminals like Bernie Madoff and Mark Drier. Don't be surprised when they turn you away.

I suggest you let it go and use your time and energy on more productive activities. Please understand that I'm not being smug; I've been in your position outside of my law practice and I understand your frustration but it's not worth your precious little time on earth.

I hope this helps.

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Answered on 12/14/13, 2:23 pm
Kevin Connolly Kevin J. Connolly

You do need legal counsel, as you would not have this information unless you had violated the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Right to Financial Privacy Act. This was none of your business, but you have made it your own and now you are facing enormous financial liability. Bad move. Very, very bad move.

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Answered on 12/14/13, 7:04 pm


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