Tales from the Darkside: IRS Enforcement of Cryptocurrency

NCRNTDI2
CPE Credits: 2 Credits Program Level: Basic

Course Description

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have created a new generation of millionaires, with the benefit of anonymity. Whether used for criminal activity or held as a legitimate investment, the IRS is spending substantial resources finding those who possess, purchase, and sell cryptocurrencies to ensure tax, banking, and money laundering laws are followed. Are you or your firm prepared to advise clients when reporting cryptocurrency transactions? Can you identify when cryptocurrency is being used for potential criminal purposes? This course gives a brief overview of cryptocurrencies, how the technology is regulated, common ways cryptocurrencies are used to evade tax and money laundering laws, and what’s expected of taxpayers and preparers.

Program Content

  • Overview of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies
  • Definition of proof of work and proof of stake
  • Tax laws regarding cryptocurrency transactions
  • Definition of common money laundering laws involving cryptocurrencies
  • Tools used by the IRS to identify cryptocurrency transactions in civil and criminal investigations
  • Real-life examples of cryptocurrency used in criminal activities

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, participants will be able to:
  • Give an overview of how Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies operate
  • Recognize the difference between proof of work and proof of stake in verifying the blockchain
  • Prepare a proper tax return involving cryptocurrency transactions
  • Identify common money laundering violations involving cryptocurrencies
  • Identify the tools the IRS uses to identify cryptocurrency transactions for civil and criminal violations
  • Recall the learning objectives through real-life examples of cryptocurrency transactions

Who Should Attend

Forensic accountants, CPAs, return preparers.
About Your Instructor - Robert Nordlander

Investigations, not just theory

For two decades, Robert Nordlander worked inside IRS Criminal Investigation, uncovering complex cases involving tax evasion, money laundering, embezzlement, and fraud. Today, as a CPA and Certified Fraud Examiner, he brings that same investigative discipline to forensic accounting and tax resolution. His experience has shaped bestselling books, national training programs, and the Fraud Fighter podcast — and now, this self-study library. Real federal experience, distilled into practical knowledge for CPAs and attorneys.

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ForensicsCPE is where you learn about Robert Nordlander's forensic accounting courses. When you enroll, you're directed to our authorized third-party CPE partner's site, which is a NASBA-registered sponsor on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. That partner handles secure checkout, course delivery, final exams, CPE reporting, and issuing your completion certificate.

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The courses are written for CPAs, CFEs, and other accounting professionals who want practical forensic accounting skills — whether you're building a forensic accounting practice area or handling an occasional litigation or divorce engagement.

Yes. Robert speaks and presents live CPE sessions for firms, state societies, and organizations. For live or custom training, contact [email protected].