Tax professionals aren’t always focused solely on federal income tax laws. Their knowledge base often spills over into other areas – like the rules governing anti-money laundering. Today’s tax professional, Jennifer Correa Riera, has tackled anti-money laundering regulations and the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA). Jennifer has represented clients in “Know Your Customer” (KYC), Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs or FinCEN Form 104), and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs) matters. She has also represented clients prosecuted for operating unregistered money transmitting businesses and servicing individuals appearing on OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List.
Here’s what Jennifer had to say:
1. Where are you now?
Sunny Miami, Florida.
2. What’s your official title and what does it mean?
I am a Tax and Regulatory Attorney with Fuerst Ittleman David & Joseph, PL. In my practice, I help clients resolve their compliance issues involving the Internal Revenue Service, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, and other federal and state agencies. I represent clients involved in tax audits, collections actions, and administrative appeals. I also represent clients before the Tax Court if litigation ensues. Additionally, I help clients seeking to expand outside of the United States by structuring efficient tax plans and advising them of their information reporting obligations. Likewise, I help clients abroad make their mark in the United States.
3. What books are on your nightstand?
Cien Años de Soledad by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
I’ve heard the original Spanish version is even more beautiful than its English translation One Hundred Years of Solitude.
4. If you weren’t working in the tax profession, what would your dream job be?
Either a travel writer or an interior designer.
5. What’s the last movie that you saw (DVD or in the theater)?
Moonlight
6. Tax is a huge subject. What’s your area of special interest?
International tax, tax planning, and federal and state tax controversy (audits, collections, administrative appeals, and litigation).
7. What’s the best tax or financial advice that anyone ever gave you?
Never to put the tax cart before the business horse. It is important to maximize the client’s business potential first and then structure an efficient tax plan around the business with little or no changes to the client’s business plan.
8. Coffee or tea?
Cuban coffee. I am Cuban American, so I was introduced to Cuban coffee practically after birth.
9. Name five artists on your iPod or digital player.
Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Deadmau5, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga
10. What would I be surprised to know about you?
I am a cigar connoisseur. I have a pretty extensive collection at home.
11. What college did you attend (in what subject)?
I attended the University of Miami for undergrad (major in Finance and minor in Spanish) and law school. Go Canes!
12. If you had the opportunity to make one change in the tax code tomorrow – an extra credit, a disallowed deduction, whatever – what would it be?
I would eliminate the limitations on deducting student loan interest.
13. What’s the best thing on TV right now?
Legion, The Americans, and Baskets.
14. What do you think Congress will repeal first: estate tax or AMT?
I think they will probably be repealed under the same Congressional Act.
15. If Uncle Sam handed you a huge refund check right now, what would you do with it?
I would put some toward my son’s 529 plan and use the rest on a family vacation.
16. Biggest tax newsmaker: Trump, Ryan, identity thieves or the EU?
Definitely Trump.
17. And, other than taxgirl for Forbes, what’s your favorite tax-related website?
Taxgirl is my favorite, but Procedurally Taxing is a close second.
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Thanks, Jennifer! You can find out more about Jennifer from her firm’s website here.
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If you’d like to recommend a tax pro to be featured send your suggestions to kelly (dot) erb (at) taxgirl (dot) com with the subject: Getting To Know You Tuesday (it’s tax season: use anything else and it could get lost, you’ve been warned). Self-nominations are totally okay and, in fact, encouraged.
