I read it that Cohen has to file amended tax returns for those years and it’s my bet that he does no time but pays through the nose for those years. Would he avoid penalties by filing amended returns?
That depends on the backroom deal and who is reviewing the amended filings. Pretty sure the IRS has the ability to forgive penalties at will. Plus, penalties probably haven’t been attached at this point because he wasn’t audited or prosecuted, it’s a plea bargain.
Pretty sure fines are up to the judge.