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ct pertaining to the
execution or concealment of the 18 U.S.C. § 1956 offense.
Sophisticated laundering typically involves the use of—
(i) fictitious entities;
(ii) shell corporations;
(iii) two or more levels (i.e., layering) of transactions, transportation, transfers, or
transmissions, involving criminally derived funds that were intended to appear
legitimate; or
(iv) offshore financial accounts.
(B) Non-Applicability of Enhancement.—If subsection (b)(3) applies, and the conduct that
forms the basis for an enhancement under the guideline applicable to the underlying
offense is the only conduct that forms the basis for application of subsection (b)(3) of this
guideline, do not apply subsection (b)(3) of this guideline.
6. Grouping of Multiple Counts.—In a case in which the defendant is convicted of a count of
laundering funds and a count for the underlying offense from which the laundered funds were
derived, the counts shall be grouped pursuant to subsection (c) of §3D1.2 (Groups of Closely-
Related Counts).
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 212-214);
November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendments 378 and 422); November 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendment 634); November 1, 2003
(see Appendix C, amendment 655).
§2S1.2. [Deleted]
Historical Note: Section 2S1.2 (Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity), effective
November 1, 1987, amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendment 215), and November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C,
amendment 422), was deleted by consolidation with §2S1.1 effective November 1, 2001 (see Appendix C, amendment 634).
§2S1.3. Structuring Transactions to Evade Reporting Requirements; Failure to Report
Cash or Monetary Transactions; Failure to File Currency and Monetary
Instrument Report; Knowingly Filing False Reports; Bulk Cash Smuggling;
Establishing or Maintaining Prohibited Accounts
(a) Base Offense Level:
(1) 8, if the defendant was convicted under 31 U.S.C. § 5318 or § 5318A; or
(2) 6 plus the number of offense levels from the table in §2B1.1 (Theft,
Property Destruction, and Fraud) corresponding to the value of the funds,
if subsection (a)(1) does not apply.
November 1, 2005 GUIDELINES MANUAL §2S1.3
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(b) Specific Offense Characteristics
(1) If (A) the defendant knew or believed that the funds were proceeds of
unlawful activity, or were intended to promote unlawful activity; or (B)
the offense involved bulk cash smuggling, increase by 2 levels.
(2) If the defendant (A) was convicted of an offense under subchapter II of
chapter 53 of title 31, United States Code; and (B) committed the offense
as part of a pattern of unlawful activity involving more than $100,000 in
a 12-month period, increase by 2 levels.
(3) If (A) subsection (a)(2) applies and subsections (b)(1) and (b)(2) do not
apply; (B) the defendant did not act with reckless disregard of the source
of the funds; (C) the funds were the proceeds of lawful activity; and (D)
the funds were to be used for a lawful purpose, decrease the offense level
to level 6.
(c) Cross Reference
(1) If the offense was committed for the purposes of violating the Internal
Revenue laws, apply the most appropriate guideline from Chapter Two,
Part T (Offenses Involving Taxation) if the resulting offense level is
greater than that determined above.
Commentary
Statutory Provisions: 18 U.S.C. § 1960 (but only with respect to unlicensed money transmitting
businesses as defined in 18 U.S.C. § 1960(b)(1)(A) and (B)); 26 U.S.C. §§ 7203 (if a violation based
upon 26 U.S.C. § 6050I), 7206 (if a violation based upon 26 U.S.C. § 6050I); 31 U.S.C. §§ 5313,
5314, 5316, 5318, 5318A(b), 5322, 5324, 5326, 5331, 5332. For additional statutory provision(s),
see Appendix A (Statutory Index).
Application Notes:
1. Definition of "Value of the Funds".—For purposes of this guideline, "value of the funds" means
the amount of the funds involved in the structuring or reporting conduct. The relevant statutes
require monetary reporting without regard to whether the funds were lawfully or unlawfully
obtained.
2. Bulk Cash Smuggling.—For purposes of subsection (b)(1)(B), "bulk cash smuggling" means
(A) knowingly concealing, with the intent to evade a currency reporting requirement under 31
U.S.C. § 5316, more than $10,000 in currency or other monetary instruments; and (B)
transporting or transferring (or attempting to transport or transfer) such currency or monetary
instruments into or outside of the United States. "United States" has the meaning given that
term in Application Note 1 of the Commentary to §2B5.1 (Offenses Involving Counterfeit
Bearer Obligations of the United States).
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3. Enhancement for Pattern of Unlawful Activity.—For purposes of subsection (b)(2), "pattern of
unlawful activity" means at least two separate occasions of unlawful activity involving a total
amount of more than $100,000 in a 12-month period, without regard to whether any such
occasion occurred during the course of the offense or resulted in a conviction for the conduct
that occurred on that occasion.
Background: Some of the offenses covered by this guideline relate to records and reports of certain
transactions involving currency and monetary instruments. These reports include Currency
Transaction Reports, Currency and Monetary Instrument Reports, Reports of Foreign Bank and
Financial Accounts, and Reports of Cash Payments Over $10,000 Received in a Trade or Business.
This guideline also covers offenses under 31 U.S.C. §§ 5318 and 5318A, pertaining to records,
reporting and identification requirements, prohibited accounts involving certain foreign jurisdictions,
foreign institutions, and foreign banks, and other types of transactions and types of accounts.
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1989 (see Appendix C, amendments 216-218);
November 1, 1991 (see Appendix C, amendments 379 and 422); November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 490); November 1, 2001
(see Appendix C, amendments 617 and 634); November 1, 2002 (see Appendix C, amendment 637); November 1, 2003 (see Appendix
C, amendment 655).
§2S1.4. [Deleted]
Historical Note: Section 2S1.4 (Failure to File Currency and Monetary Instrument Report), effective November 1, 1991 (see Appendix
C, amendments 379 and 422), was deleted by consolidation with §2S1.3 effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 490).
November 1, 2005 GUIDELINES MANUAL §2T1.1
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PART T - OFFENSES INVOLVING TAXATION
1. INCOME TAXES, EMPLOYMENT TAXES, ESTATE TAXES, GIFT TAXES, AND
EXCISE TAXES (OTHER THAN ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND CUSTOMS TAXES)
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987. Amended effective November 1, 1993 (see Appendix C, amendment 491).
Introductory Commentary
The criminal tax laws are designed to protect the public interest in preserving the integrity of
the nation’s tax system. Criminal tax prosecutions serve to punish the violator and promote respect
for the tax laws. Because of the limited number of criminal tax prosecutions relative to the estimated
incidence of such violations, deterring others from violating the tax laws is a primary consideration
underlying these guidelines. Recognition that the sentence for a criminal tax case will be
commensurate with the gravity of the offense should act as a deterrent to would-be violators.
Historical Note: Effective November 1, 1987.
§2T1.1. Tax Evasion; Willful Failure to File Return, Supply Information, or Pay Tax;
Fraudulent or False Returns, Statements, or Other Documents
(a) Base Offense Level:
(1) Level from §2T4.1 (Tax Table) corresponding to the tax loss; or
(2) 6, if there is no tax loss.
(b) Specific Offense Characteristics
(1) If the defendant failed to report or to correctly identify the source of
income exceeding $10,000 in any year from criminal activity, increase by
2 levels. If the resulting offense level is less than level 12, increase to
level 12.
(2) If the offense involved sophisticated means, increase by 2 levels. If the
resulting offense level is less than level 12, increase to level 12.
(c) Special Instructions
For the purposes of this guideline --
(1) If the offense involved tax evasion or a fraudulent or false return,
statement, or other document, the tax loss is the total amount of loss that
was the object of the offense (i.e., the loss that would have resulted had
the offense been successfully completed).
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Notes:
(A) If the offense involved filing a tax return in which gross income was
underreported, the tax loss shall be treated as equal to 28% of the
unreported gross income (34% if the taxpayer is a corporation) plus 100%
of any false credits claimed against tax, unless a more accurate
determination of the tax loss can be made.
(B) If the offense involved improperly claiming a deduction or an
exemption, the tax loss shall be treated as equal to 28% of the amount of
the improperly claimed deduction or exemption (34% if the taxpayer is
a corporation) plus 100% of any false credits claimed against tax, unless
a more accurate determination of the tax loss can be made.
(C) If the offense involved improperly claiming a deduction to provide a
basis for tax evasion in the future, the tax loss shall be treated as equal to
28% of the amount of the improperly claimed deduction (34% if the
taxpayer is a corporation) plus 100% of any false credits claimed against
tax, unless a more accurate determination of the tax loss can be made.
(D) If the offense involved (i) conduct described in subdivision (A), (B),
or (C) of these Notes; and (ii) both individual and corporate tax returns,
the tax loss is the aggregate tax loss from the offenses added together.
(2) If the offense involved failure to file a tax return, the tax loss is the
amount of tax that the taxpayer owed and did not pay.
Notes:
(A) If the offense involved failure to file a tax return, the tax loss shall be
treated as equal to 20% of the gross income (25% if the taxpayer is a
corporation) less any tax withheld or otherwise paid, unless a more
accurate determination of the tax loss can be made.
(B) If the offense involved (i) conduct described in subdivision (A) of
these Notes; and (ii) both individual and corporate tax returns, the tax loss
is the aggregate tax loss from the offenses added together.
(3) If the offense involved willful failure to pay tax, the tax loss is the amount
of tax that the taxpayer owed and did not pay.
(4) If the offense involved improperly claiming a refund to which the
claimant was not entitled, the tax loss is the amount of the claimed refund
to which the claimant was not entitled.
(5) The tax loss is not reduced by any payment of the tax subsequent to the
commission of the offense.
November 1, 2005 GUIDELINES MANUAL §2T1.1
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Commentary
Statutory Provisions: 26 U.S.C. §§ 7201, 7203 (other than a violation based upon 26 U.S.C.
§ 6050I), 7206 (other than a violation based upon 26 U.S.C. § 6050I or § 7206(2)), and 7207. For
additional statutory provision(s), see Appendix A (Statutory Index).
Application Notes:
1. "Tax loss" is defined in subsection (c). The tax loss does not include interest or penalties,
except in willful evasion of payment cases under 26 U.S.C. § 7201 and willful failure to pay
cases under 26 U.S.C. § 7203. Although the definition of tax loss corresponds to what is
commonly called the "criminal figures," its amount is to be determined by the same rules
applicable in determining any other sentencing factor. In some instances, such as when
indirect methods of proof are used, the amount of the tax loss may be uncertain; the guidelines
contemplate that the court will simply make a reasonable estimate based on the available facts.
Notes under subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2) address certain situations in income tax cases in
which the tax loss may not be reasonably ascertainable. In these situations, the "presumptions"
set forth are to be used unless the government or defense provides sufficient information for a
more accurate assessment of the tax loss. In cases involving other types of taxes, the
presumptions in the notes under subsections (c)(1) and (c)(2) do not apply.
Example 1: A defendant files a tax return reporting income of $40,000 when his income was
actually $90,000. Under Note (A) to subsection (c)(1), the tax loss is treated as $14,000
($90,000 of actual gross income minus $40,000 of reported gross income = $50,000 x 28%)
unless sufficient information is available to make a more accurate assessment of the tax loss.
Example 2: A defendant files a tax return reporting income of $60,000 when his income was
actually $130,000. In addition, the defendant claims $10,000 in false tax credits. Under Note
(A) to subsection (c)(1), the tax loss is treated as $29,600 ($130,000 of actual gross income
minus $60,000 of reported gross income = $70,000 x 28% = $19,600, plus $10,000 of false tax
credits) unless sufficient information is available to make a more accurate assessment of the
tax loss.
Example 3: A defendant fails to file a tax return for a year in which his salary was $24,000, and
$2,600 in income tax was withheld by his employer. Under the note to subsection (c)(2), the
tax loss is treated as $2,200 ($24,000 of gross income x 20% = $4,800, minus $2,600 of tax
withheld) unless sufficient information is available to make a more accurate assessment of the
tax loss.
In determining the tax loss attributable to the offense, the court should use as many methods
set forth in subsection (c) and this commentary as are necessary given the circumstances of the
particular case. If none of the methods of determining the tax loss set forth fit the
circumstances of the particular case, the court should use any method of determining the tax
loss that appears appropriate to reasonably calculate the loss that would have resulted had the
offense been successfully completed.
2. In determining the total tax loss attributable to the offense (see §1B1.3(a)(2)), all conduct
violating the tax laws should be considered as part of the same course of conduct or common
scheme or plan unless the evidence demonstrates that the conduct is clearly unrelated. The
§2T1.4 GUIDELINES MANUAL November 1, 2005
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following examples are illustrative of conduct that is part of the same course of conduct or
common scheme or plan: (a) there is a continuing pattern of violations of the tax laws by the
defendant; (b) the defendant uses a consistent method to evade or camouflage income, e.g.,
backdating documents or using off-shore accounts; (c) the violations involve the same or a
related series of transactions; (d) the violation in each instance involves a false or inflated
claim of a similar deduction or credit; and (e) the violation in each instance involves a failure
to report or an understatement of a specific source of income, e.g., interest from savings
accounts or income from a particular business activity. These examples are not intended to be
exhaustive.
3. "Criminal activity" means any conduct constituting a criminal offense under federal, state,
local, or foreign law.
4. Sophisticated Means Enhancement.— For purposes of subsection (b)(2), "sophisticated means"
means especially complex or especially intricate offense conduct pertaining to the execution
or concealment of an offense. Conduct such as hiding assets or transactions, or both, through
the use of fictitious entities, corporate shells, or offshore financial accounts ordinarily indicates
sophisticated means.
5. A "credit claimed against tax" is an item that reduces the amount of tax directly. In contrast,
a "deduction" is an item that reduces the amount of taxable income.
6. "Gross income," for the purposes of this section, has the same meaning as it has in 26 U.S.C.
§ 61 and 26 C.F.R. § 1.61.
7. If the offense involved both individual and corporate tax returns, the tax loss is the aggregate
tax loss from the individual tax offense and the corporate tax offense added together.
Accordingly, in a case in which a defendant fails to report income derived from a corporation
on both the defendant’s individual tax return and the defendant’s corporate tax return, the tax
loss is the sum of (A) the unreported or diverted amount multiplied by (i) 28%; or (ii) the tax
rate for the individual tax offense, if sufficient information is available to make a more accurate
assessment of that tax rate; and (B) the unreported or diverted amount multiplied by (i) 34%;
or (ii) the tax rate for the corporate tax offense, if sufficient information is available to make
a more accurate assessment of that tax rate. For example, the defendant, the sole owner of a
Subchapter C corporation, fraudulently understates the corporation’s income in the amount
of $100,000 on the corporation’s tax return, diverts the funds to the defendant’s own use, and
does not report these funds on the defendant’s individual tax return. For purposes of this
example, assume the use of 34% with respect to the corporate tax loss and the use of 28% with
respect to th
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