Information for Victims and
Witnesses of Crimes
As a Federal law enforcement agency,
IRS-Criminal Investigation is concerned about
the problems often experienced by victims
and witnesses of crime. We know that as a
victim or witness you may experience anger,
confusion, frustration or fear as a result of your
experience.
This brochure provides information that will
help you deal with the problems and questions
that often surface during an investigation. We
have included a description of victims’ rights
under Federal law, as well as information and
services available to you as a victim and/or
witness. We encourage you to contact the
IRS-Criminal Investigation Victim/Witness
Coordinator if you have any questions. The
coordinator’s name and number are on the
back of this brochure.
We know the days and months ahead may
be difcult for you and your family. We hope
the resources described in this brochure can
help you. At the same time, we need your
cooperation throughout the investigation.
If you are threatened or harassed
If anyone threatens you, or you feel that you are
being harassed because of your cooperation
with the investigation, contact your IRS-Criminal
Investigation Victim/Witness Coordinator
immediately. They are available to discuss
additional protective measures, which can be
taken, if necessary.
If your property is stolen
If your property was stolen, we hope to recover
it as part of our investigation. If we do, we will
notify you and make every effort to see that it is
returned.
If you need financial help or
support services
States have crime victim compensation programs
to help cover some expenses resulting from
violent crimes. Your state program may pay
for medical health care costs, lost wages and
support, and funeral and burial expenses not
covered by insurance or other benets. The
Victim/Witness Coordinator can put you in
contact with state programs to nd out if you are
eligible for benets.
What can I do about my financial loss?
The rst thing you should do is collect and save
all paperwork that directly relates to your loss.
Some losses are tax deductible. Because tax
laws are complicated, consult a qualied tax
advisor or the Internal Revenue Service to see if
your losses qualify.
Your rights as a victim
As a Federal crime victim you have the
following rights:
• The right to be reasonably protected from
the accused offender.
• The right to be notied of court proceedings.
• The right to be present at all public court
proceedings related to the offense, unless
the court determines that your testimony
would be materially affected if you heard
other testimony at trial.
• The right to be heard at any public court
proceeding.
• The right to confer with the attorney for
the Government in the case.
• The right to be treated with fairness and
with respect for your dignity and privacy.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to proceedings free from
unreasonable delay.
