If an IRS Special Agent knocks on your door, chances are that they do not want to talk about back taxes. They likely want to discuss criminal charges, which could include tax fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and other financial crimes. While revenue officers collect back taxes and auditors examine returns, special agents gather evidence.
IRS Special Agents run criminal investigations, and they may intend to charge you or someone close to you with a crime. For this reason, it is critical to seek assistance from a tax crime attorney before communicating with an IRS Special Agent in Richmond.
IRS Special Agents may reach out if they suspect an individual in Richmond may have committed a crime. They may have suspicions of unreported income or offshore accounts. They may also suspect business-related payroll tax fraud, involvement in financial schemes flagged during audits, or something else tax-related. In some cases, the agents reach out because they are investigating somebody else and ask for witness statements or additional information. In these cases, hiring an attorney is still important.
Some red flags may indicate agents are investigating a crime rather than performing an audit. For instance, agents showing up unannounced or mentioning criminal statutes should always be considered potential red flags.
One of the biggest dangers of speaking to a special agent in Richmond without legal counsel is that it is very easy for someone to incriminate themselves. Any bit of information can be used against the defendant. Remember: no one has an obligation to answer questions without legal representation. In fact, it is smart to avoid doing so. This case could be connected to a larger criminal or civil probe that could lead to serious charges.
As a result, someone could be charged with tax evasion, filing a false return, wire fraud, or conspiracy. The results could include heavy fines, asset forfeiture, reputation damage, and even prison time.
After an agent makes contact, a tax attorney can review all correspondence and contact the agent on behalf of the client. The lawyer will determine whether their client is a witness, subject, or target in the investigation to see how they need to proceed. An attorney will also assert their client’s Fifth Amendment rights and request documents to determine where the investigation may be going.
Lawyers also negotiate with federal authorities. This could mean pursuing pre-indictment resolution or pursuing possible voluntary disclosure programs that may help a client avoid serious charges. The goal of these steps is to reduce the risk of indictment or possible public exposure. A local attorney is a great option because they understand the role of Richmond as a hub for federal tax investigations. They are also familiar with the federal courts and local procedures.
One of the most important things you can do at this time is stop talking. Communicating with an IRS Special Agent in Richmond could spell trouble. Instead, call a Richmond tax attorney to learn more about the possible steps to avoid trouble.
If you have been contacted by an agent, do not wait to get assistance. Call our office today to speak with an experienced tax attorney and develop a plan.