All businesses and individuals must file tax returns every year. Even tax-exempt entities must regularly file proof of exemption. Failing to properly file your tax returns or proof of exemption may lead to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit, requiring you to prove that you fulfilled your tax obligation.
Failing to file your taxes is not a crime, but tax fraud or evasion is. An IRS tax audit can be overwhelming. If you or your business needs legal assistance, we could offer you the benefits of a Richmond criminal tax lawyer at Whiteford Tax Defense. Taxpayers often turn to a Certified Public Accountant when faced with an impending audit, but the advantages of consulting a criminal tax attorney may outweigh those of working with an accountant, especially if it seems that the auditor is seeking more than just missing information.
If you are under investigation by the government, you have a right to legal representation. Many issues that could prompt extra scrutiny from the IRS do not lead to criminal charges. The IRS would prefer to collect the taxes owed plus penalties rather than imprisoning people for errors or even minor crimes.
The tax code is complex and contains hundreds of exceptions and loopholes. If you or your business has mistakenly applied an exception or an exemption for which you were not eligible, a tax attorney could resolve your issue with the IRS before the penalties become excessive.
In certain cases, the error rests with the IRS. The IRS compares your return with reports of your income and deductions from outside sources (such as employer quarterly returns). Discrepancies in those filings may make your tax returns appear fraudulent. A Richmond criminal tax attorney could assist you by following the correct procedures to address these administrative errors without court intervention.
An allegation of a tax crime means that the IRS believes you willfully attempted to defraud the government by concealing income, lying on your tax returns, or taking unlawful deductions.
A lawyer could help defend you against the following charges:
In these cases, a Richmond criminal tax attorney is a benefit to you. Possessing a thorough understanding of the tax code, your lawyer could help protect your assets and your legal rights..
As with any criminal case, the IRS must prove you acted intentionally to defraud the government or evade paying your taxes. A skilled attorney could review the IRS claims and help you compile documentary evidence to refute the charges and protect your rights during the investigation. You do not need to face this challenge alone. Contact Whiteford Tax Defense and discover the benefits of a Richmond criminal tax lawyer.