Most businesses and individuals owe federal taxes each year, and evading them is a crime. Several criminal offenses are related to how and when you pay taxes. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the United States Department of Justice investigate and prosecute these crimes; a conviction can have severe consequences.
You are entitled to legal defense, and the support from an experienced tax attorney could make a difference in your case. This area of law is complex, and not everyone has the knowledge to advocate successfully on your behalf. Let a Baltimore tax crime lawyer help you fight allegations against you.
The federal government investigates a wide range of tax-related offenses. While they vary in severity, a conviction can forever alter your life. The following discussion outlines some types of tax crimes that a Baltimore attorney could defend.
Tax evasion occurs when someone willfully refrains from paying a government-imposed tax obligation. This involves more than just smart accounting and avoiding debt by fraudulent means.
Criminal charges can also be filed when a tax is assessed but not paid. However, there are numerous situations where this does not rise to the level of a crime. Usually, this occurs when the taxpayer is pursuing an appeal or working within the system, disputing what they owe.
Most businesses and individuals are required to file a tax return each year and pay their estimated tax bill. While it is possible to apply for and secure an extension, failing to file a return can be a crime.
There is an obligation to provide accurate records and avoid false statements to the IRS. Any fraudulent claim, whether made in tax filing or during an audit, may result in criminal charges.
Not all of these crimes relate directly to filing returns or paying taxes. The federal government can also prosecute businesses for misusing funds awarded under the Paycheck Protection Program or other pandemic-era tax credits.
Like any criminal charge, there are ways to fight against tax-related offenses. Given the high stakes, these cases may overwhelm you, but the reality is that many tax crime lawyers in Baltimore could secure a successful outcome.
In some cases, the best defense strategies are straightforward. An attorney could assert that you have fully complied with the Internal Revenue Code, making the prosecution unnecessary. Federal investigators are not always perfect and may commit mistakes when investigating suspected crimes. A skilled lawyer could make a compelling case that the law was strictly followed.
Other defense strategies depend on the specific offense. For example, the government must prove that you acted willfully in a tax evasion case. This means an honest mistake or good faith belief that you were compliant could avoid a conviction.
What matters most is having the support of counsel who knows the law and understands how the IRS works. Such experience could contribute to the acquittal or dismissal of all charges.
Few things are more stressful than facing a criminal conviction or being sent to federal prison. Thankfully, a Baltimore tax crime lawyer could help you fight the charges. Contact us to discuss your options during a confidential consultation.