Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement (TRaCE) Task Force
For Immediate Release: August 7, 2015
Contact: BOE Public Affairs, (916) 327-8988
Underground Economy Task Force Commended by State Assembly
Sacramento – Members of the Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement (TRaCE) task force received a State Assembly Resolution presented by Assemblymember Jim Cooper on August 6, 2015. The resolution commends TRaCE for being the first task force in the nation to combine state and federal law enforcement resources to combat tax fraud, piracy, counterfeiting, human trafficking and other crimes connected to the state’s estimated $8.5 billion dollar underground economy.
As a veteran of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, Asm. Cooper noted TRaCE Commander Susan Gorsuch’s 20 years of law enforcement experience specializing in criminal investigations are an asset to this one-of-a-kind task force.
“We much appreciate the recognition of the culmination of years of effort in forming TRaCE,” BOE Chairman Jerome E. Horton said. “TRaCE has the potential of recapturing billions in unreported resources and leveling the playing field for legitimate operators who comply with state laws.”
“Partnerships between state and federal agencies and public involvement are vital in our fight against California’s underground economy,” said Board of Equalization Vice Chair George Runner. “This unique task force welcomes all leads and tips, which are essential to our efforts to protect law-abiding business owners and taxpayers.”
“Congratulations to the TRaCE task force in receiving recognition which is long overdue,” stated Board Member Ma. “Thank you to the men and women who are a part of this task force and who are instrumental in curbing the underground economy.”
“The Employment Development Department (EDD) is proud to be a member of the TRaCE task force that is committed to combatting the underground economy,” said EDD Director Patrick Henning, Jr. “By collaborating with multiple agency efforts as a united front, we strive to level the playing field for law-abiding businesses, protect consumers, and ensure employees receive the benefits and protections they are entitled to.”
Board of Equalization’s Chief of Investigations and chairman of the TRaCE Executive Board, Randy Silva, accepted the resolution along with Commander Gorsuch.
If you suspect underground economic activity, you can report it to TRaCE online.
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The Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement Task Force (TRaCE) is comprised of public officials from the Department of Justice, Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board, Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, Employment Development Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
The mission of the TRaCE Task Force is to combat organized elements of the underground economy engaged in the manufacture, importation, distribution, and sale of pirated intellectual property, and other economic crimes resulting in the evasion of business, payroll and/or income taxes.
For more information on other taxes and fees in California, visit www.boe.ca.gov/.
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