The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforces numerous rules and regulations regarding tax obligations, many of which require truthful and accurate income reporting. If the agency suspects dishonesty, it may launch a fraud investigation and pursue criminal charges.
Although facing accusations of tax misconduct is frightening, you have options. Consult a Richmond tax fraud lawyer at Whiteford Tax Defense about challenging the charges. A criminal tax attorney from our firm could advise you on your options and guide you through the legal process.
Taxes can cause stress, leading many people to make mistakes, such as missing a decimal point or forgetting to attach a document. However, small errors such as these do not automatically trigger a criminal investigation.
The IRS defines tax fraud as deliberately providing false information to reduce the amount owed or avoid payment. During its reviews, the agency identifies indicators of potential misconduct, such as:
Together, these warning signs give the IRS grounds to scrutinize your returns more closely and potentially initiate legal action.
The examples above are more than mistakes. They may indicate a willful attempt to avoid tax payment. The United States government views these actions as serious violations and will aggressively prosecute the charges. If you are facing these kinds of allegations, you should seek guidance from a skilled Richmond-based attorney who knows how to challenge accusations of false tax filings.
Even isolated instances of noncompliance are still serious because they could trigger civil penalties. Officials typically impose monetary fines and add them to the taxpayer’s liability. A criminal charge, however, may result in severe consequences, including incarceration. Therefore, you should promptly consult a lawyer to evaluate the matter and begin building a defense.
The IRS allows taxpayers to reduce or eliminate civil fraud penalties if they can prove that the discrepancy resulted from a genuine error. Either the taxpayer or the federal employee conducting the investigation may have made a mistake, as both parties are susceptible to human error.
Legal counsel often tailors the defense strategy in a criminal case to the case’s specific facts. For example, the government must prove that the defendant intentionally misrepresented their income to evade taxes. If the taxpayer made an honest mistake and sincerely believed they complied with the law, prosecutors may not consider the act a crime.
Every case is different, and a successful defense requires a thorough review. Contact an experienced Richmond tax lawyer who is capable of handling both civil and criminal cases involving fraud. We could assist you if you are facing allegations from the IRS.
Seeking advice from a Richmond tax fraud lawyer at Whiteford Tax Defense is vital if authorities have accused you of wrongdoing. Whether your matter involves civil or criminal charges, reach out to our firm to discuss your legal options.
We support individuals navigating IRS proceedings and dedicate ourselves to achieving a legally sound resolution. Call us to schedule a confidential appointment with an attorney and start preparing your case.