California stops over $6B in tax fraud

(The Center Square) – California officials announced in recent days that the state has stopped more than $6 billion in tax fraud in the last eight years. The announcement comes weeks after reporting by The Center Square that billions of dollars more were spent on homelessness programs that didn’t result in more housing and that there was $55 billion in unemployment fraud, among other examples of fraud. Roughly $579 million of the amount saved from fraud since 2018 is from stopping improper refunds, as well as efforts to educate the public by identifying scams, protecting personal information and other safety techniques, according to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office. “California is protecting the most progressive tax system in the nation, which helps support our most vulnerable and provides equity for all,” Newsom said in a press release. “When you expand refunds and relief, you increase risk, and must be more vigilant. That’s why I’m proud we’ve prevented more than $6 billion in tax fraud —