Ten Steps to Consider When Embezzlement Is Suspected

Many churches have experienced one or more incidents of embezzlement. In some cases, the amounts are substantial. Church leaders often do not know how to respond to such incidents. Here are ten steps that can help.

1. Tax liability for embezzler

Embezzled funds constitute taxable income to the embezzler. The embezzler has a legal duty to report the full amount of the embezzled funds as taxable income on his or tax return, whether or not the employer reports the embezzled funds as taxable income on the employee's W-2 or 1099. If funds were embezzled in prior years, then the employee will need to file amended tax returns for each of those years to report the illegal income since embezzlement occurs in the year the funds are misappropriated.

IRS Publication 525 states: "Illegal income, such as stolen or embezzled funds, must be included in your income on line 21 of Form 1040, or on Schedule ...