What is the role of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in combating money laundering?

The role of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in combating money laundering is primarily focused on tracking and ensuring tax compliance on all income, including income derived from illegal activities. This aspect is crucial because individuals or entities engaged in money laundering may attempt to disguise illicit gains as legitimate income. By monitoring tax returns and identifying discrepancies or unusual patterns in reported income, the IRS plays a vital role in uncovering activities linked to money laundering.

Additionally, the IRS enforces laws such as the Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), which requires financial institutions to report suspicious activities that could indicate money laundering. This dynamic ensures that any income, regardless of its source, is subject to taxation and scrutiny, helping to expose and disrupt money laundering schemes. The focus on tax compliance essentially reinforces broader efforts to maintain honest and transparent financial systems.