A state tax audit can fill anyone with fear. You may have assumed, over the past several years, that you were taking care of all of your taxes appropriately: reporting your income, managing any deductions appropriately, and paying any taxes that were not withheld for you. Then you learn you are subject to an audit on your state taxes. A Baltimore state tax audit and appeals lawyer could help you manage your tax audit and protect your rights.
Getting a letter from the Comptroller of Maryland can leave anyone feeling confused. Those requests often contain confusing language that leaves the individuals who received them wondering what the state is really looking for and whether they have been accused of wrongdoing. Working with a Baltimore lawyer could help individuals undergoing an audit understand what the Department of Assessments and Taxation is looking for, what they are requesting, and the potential penalties on the table if they uncover a problem.
In many cases, an audit can uncover unpaid taxes. Unfortunately, many individuals and businesses do not have the funds available to take care of potential penalties on the spot. Fortunately, the Comptroller of Maryland offers several options that can make it easier to take care of repayment requirements and remain in good standing with the state.
In some cases, individuals going through a tax audit may be accused of committing a crime, including deliberately failing to pay taxes or knowingly underreporting income in order to avoid state taxes. If convicted, those crimes can lead to significant fines or jail time—not to mention long-term implications for the individual’s finances and freedom. A tax audit and appeals lawyer in Baltimore could help the accused construct a comprehensive defense that will make it easier for them to fight against those charges and protect their freedoms. In addition, they could let their client know about potential solutions or manage possible negotiations.
Even if the Comptroller of Maryland decides against an individual or business’s interests, that does not necessarily have to be the end of the story. In many cases, an individual or business can file an appeal that will allow them to fight potential charges or decisions. However, they may need to act fast: they may have as little as 30 days from the date a letter was issued to move forward with that process. Consulting a Baltimore state tax audit and appeals attorney as soon as possible could help individuals take any steps necessary to appeal a decision.
Dealing with a tax audit can feel daunting. Navigating a decision from the Comptroller of Maryland that does not go in your favor can feel even more stressful. By working with a Baltimore state tax audit and appeals lawyer, you could get the support you need to go through that process and protect your rights and finances. At Whiteford Tax Defense, we do not just handle tax requirements or audits. We could also help our clients manage criminal accusations or charges. Contact us today to learn more about how we could assist you in managing tax audits, appeals, and more.