If you have been charged with tax fraud or tax-related crimes anywhere in the U.S., this can be overwhelming and unsettling, as such charges are severe and can have long-lasting negative consequences. A federal tax fraud lawyer from SBBL Law will work closely with you to help you understand what investigators are looking for and how to best defend you against federal tax charges in a criminal case.
At SBBL Law, our dedicated and experienced tax crimes legal team has decades of combined experience representing individuals accused of such crimes. As former federal prosecutors and federal agents, we bring a unique understanding of how the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office puts a federal tax case together and how best to defend against it. If facing a criminal tax case, an attorney from our team can launch a thorough investigation, collaborate with experts and former IRS agents, uncover and present evidence to prove your innocence, and find inconsistencies in the prosecution’s charges and evidence. We understand that complex businesses often require complex tax solutions and that federal investigators sometimes jump to incorrect inclusions that can be countered by a solid defense.
Tax fraud includes behavior that is intentionally carried out to deceive tax authorities, such as the IRS, to get out of paying taxes. Tax crimes have serious negative consequences, such as potentially lengthy prison sentences, hefty fines, and damage to an organization or individual’s reputation. Tax fraud commonly involves the following types of behavior:
If you or your organization is under investigation for tax crimes, it is critical to work with an experienced federal tax crimes lawyer who can help you prepare and implement an optimal defense strategy.
Federal tax crime investigations are carried out by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (CID). Crimes such as filing false returns, hiding income, or tax evasion are ultimately reviewed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Tax Division, and charges are often brought by the local U.S. Attorney’s Office. Fighting charges for federal tax crimes involves both in-depth knowledge of tax codes and an understanding of the federal criminal justice process.
Federal tax fraud investigations are intensive, requiring multiple steps and interactions with various stakeholders. When carrying out investigations, agencies typically employ the following tactics:
If you believe that you are under criminal investigation by a federal tax authority, it is critical to work with experienced legal representation. If you are working with the IRS to arrange to pay back unpaid taxes through an Offer in Compromise, make sure you understand the terms and potential ramifications of such a negotiated outcome.
Consulting with an experienced criminal tax attorney early in the process can help protect your rights throughout the auditing and investigation process.
An experienced lawyer can also advise you on how to lead your organization throughout an investigation process, complying with requirements from federal investigative authorities without handing over information you are not required to disclose.
The IRS devotes substantial resources to enforcing criminal prosecution against tax fraud through active investigation methods. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division reported that its agents opened 1,409 tax crime investigations during FY 2023, which resulted in an 88.4% conviction rate. The investigated cases included illegal activities such as tax evasion, refund fraud, employment tax violations, and abusive tax strategies.
When an investigation begins against you, it is vital to treat the situation with the utmost seriousness right from the beginning. Law enforcement authorities might already be examining your financial records and tax documents despite no charges having been filed. An experienced federal tax fraud lawyer provides strategic responses that protect you from making expensive errors throughout the investigation and potential prosecution when you enlist their help early in the process.
Individuals and corporations are required to file federal tax income returns annually, maintain adequate withholding for employees, and, if necessary, pay estimated taxes.
Corporations are required to withhold Social Security, Medicare, and federal income taxes from their employees’ wages. Based on a regular schedule set by the IRS, corporations are further required to remit withheld taxes and file payroll tax returns.
Corporations must also pay estimated taxes quarterly and file Form 1120 (U.S. Corporation Income Tax Return) and any other relevant documentation. To prepare for potential audits, corporations should maintain an accurate and up-to-date database of all tax-related records.
An experienced tax fraud attorney can support you if you are facing tax-related criminal charges involving corporate taxes, payroll taxes, or federal income taxes. They can also help you take advantage of the voluntary disclosure program, which gives taxpayers the opportunity to correct tax noncompliance that happened in the past without facing serious penalties.
The methods and practices necessary to operate within federal tax compliance regulations differ between individuals and organizations, but general strategies exist to minimize risk..
Keeping accurate documentation of transactions alongside expenses and income as part of a regular business practice helps ensure that your tax return is correct and that you have the documentation needed to respond to an audit or investigation. Regular internal reviews of tax documents and financial records help detect issues early while establishing uniformity across all financial information.
Working with tax professionals, such as advisors and tax attorneys, helps make sure that your organization remains compliant with evolving federal and state tax laws and avoids investigation. These professionals stay current on regulatory changes and can proactively address issues before they become legal problems resulting in mounting financial losses and other penalties.
Federal tax fraud happens when an individual intentionally deceives the IRS to avoid tax payments. Tax fraud activities involve underreporting income, together with failing to file returns, inflating deductions, and concealing assets. Unlike minor errors, fraud involves intentional conduct. The IRS may refer deliberate tax fraud cases for criminal prosecution, which can result in severe consequences, such as fines and imprisonment.
The Criminal Investigation Division within the IRS investigates federal tax crimes. The Department of Justice (DOJ) receives cases when investigators conclude that a crime has taken place, and prosecution follows through the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The agencies carry out comprehensive investigations, including financial audits and forensic analysis, and employ document subpoenas and interviews. The aggressive nature of the investigation process requires early legal representation to safeguard your rights while helping you respond properly. The U.S. Attorney’s Office can also subpoena witnesses to testify at Grand Jury or trial.
Numerous federal tax fraud cases are resolved through out-of-court settlements and plea negotiations. Based on the specifics of your case and available evidence, your lawyer might negotiate for a plea bargain or work on a civil settlement while also assisting you in accessing a voluntary disclosure program that minimizes potential penalties.
Pursuing these strategies might lower charges, reduce penalties, and prevent incarceration. Because every case presents unique challenges, it’s crucial to consult with a legal professional early in order to determine the most effective strategy.
Before speaking with the IRS or any federal agents about your tax fraud case, consult with legal counsel to protect yourself. Every statement you provide to investigators could become evidence for the prosecution.
If contacted by a criminal IRS agent, reach out to a federal tax fraud defense lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney handles all communication with investigators, protect your rights, and develop a strategic defense to reduce potential criminal and financial consequences.
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Tax laws on the local, state, and federal levels are extremely complex and constantly evolving, making compliance a significant challenge for individuals and organizations. A compassionate and experienced tax fraud lawyer from SBBL Law can challenge the legality of the accusations against you and generate robust evidence to fight any claims you may be facing.
Contact us today if you have received a subpoena for tax records, been contacted by an IRS agent from the Criminal Investigation Division (CID), or have reason to believe you may be under investigation.
Our criminal lawyers represent clients in nationwide federal criminal cases and Title IX investigations, and we regularly appear in courts throughout Michigan:
If you or someone you know is looking for a criminal defense attorney, call now for a free consultation (616) 458-5500 or (231) 924-8700 or connect with us online.
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