MicroStrategy & Michael Saylor Deny Wrongdoing Despite $40M Settlement In Tax Fraud Case

As a researcher with a background in tax law and a strong interest in technology and finance, I find this case between Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy intriguing. The District of Columbia’s historic $40 million settlement over allegations of tax fraud against the Bitcoin investor and his software company marks a significant milestone in the district’s history and sets an important precedent for future cases.


As an analyst, I can share that Michael Saylor and MicroStrategy, the company he founded, have reached a landmark $40 million settlement with the District of Columbia over allegations of tax fraud. This settlement represents the largest income tax fraud recovery in the district’s history.

MicroStrategy & Michael Saylor Settle The Tax Evasion Case

As a researcher, I’d rephrase it as follows: This specific case marks the first instance of a settlement under the revised False Claims Act in our district, which specifically targets tax evasion and incentivizes whistleblowers to come forward. Michael Saylor, a well-known figure in the cryptocurrency sphere, stands accused of evading over $25 million in income taxes.

In addition, the attorney general’s lawsuit, initiated in 2022, alleged that Saylor and MicroStrategy had deceitfully reported their tax residencies as being in Virginia or Florida between the years 2005 and 2020. These misrepresentations concealed the fact that they were actually residents of Washington D.C., which carries a much higher income tax rate.

Based on the filed lawsuit, it was revealed that I, as Michael Saylor, had not disclosed my actual residence despite MicroStrategy providing me with security details and drivers. According to Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb, as stated in The New York Times, both I and my company, MicroStrategy, allegedly deceived the district and all its residents for an extended period.

As a crypto investor looking back at Michael Saylor’s past real estate investments, I noticed some intriguing details that lent credence to his claims about living in the district. For one, I saw that he owned several high-end properties in Georgetown, Washington D.C., which aligns with his assertions. Additionally, from 2006 to 2008, I discovered that he had bought and extensively renovated three condominiums there, investing a substantial amount of money into these projects.

During the renovation period, MicroStrategy’s Saylor spent significant time on his yachts moored in the Potomac River and at another penthouse apartment. Furthermore, his social media posts contributed to the investigation. In a controversial post, Saylor wrote, “This is the view from my Georgetown balcony this morning. All that’s left is to complete the renovation so I can move back in.”

Saylor Denies Any Wrongdoing

As a researcher, I’ve come across the information that Michael Saylor, the founder of MicroStrategy, has denied any wrongdoing despite reaching a settlement in a residency dispute. Regarding the allegation that he was once a resident of the District of Columbia, Saylor stated, “I remain a Florida resident today, and I strongly dispute this claim.” Furthermore, he mentioned that he chose to settle the case to alleviate the ongoing burden of the litigation on his friends, family, and himself.

As a researcher studying this topic, I’d like to provide some context for you. In 2021, there was a significant update to the False Claims Act. This revision expanded the scope of cases that could be brought forward by whistle-blowers to include those involving tax evasion. Shortly after this amendment, a whistle-blower filed a lawsuit against Saylor based on these new provisions. Consequently, the district launched its own investigation and case against Saylor in 2022.

According to the law, a whistleblower who submits a winning tip can be awarded up to 25% of the subsequent government recovery. Thus, MicroStrategy’s $40 million settlement represents a significant milestone in the implementation of tax regulations and the pursuit of high-profile tax evasion cases.

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2024-06-03 16:06