Finding a notice from the IRS in your mail is an alarming experience. It could mean anything from an audit to a criminal charge of tax fraud or worse. The important thing about these charges is the limited time you have to respond to them. In some cases, you have as few as 90 days from the date of the notice to reply.
If you are facing tax fraud conspiracy charges in Richmond, you need immediate legal representation from an experienced tax defense attorney. The federal tax code is complex and requires someone with a good knowledge of both the code and the laws to help you through any IRS investigation.
Tax fraud is any intentional, unlawful effort to avoid paying your tax obligation to the government. This crime may involve concealing income, hiding assets, or falsifying tax returns or other documents. Tax fraud does not include the use of legal methods to reduce your tax burden, such as legal tax shelters, as long as they follow the regulations in the tax code. Storing money in shell accounts without legitimate business goals is illegal.
Conspiracy occurs when two or more people agree to carry out an unlawful action or commit a lawful act in an illegal manner. Conspiracy usually requires that all members of the group know of and actively participate in the agreement and that one conspirator makes an overt act toward completing the crime.
A tax fraud conspiracy often occurs in a business context, such as an employer paying workers under the table and then misreporting the amount of taxes paid to claim deductions or tax credits. Sometimes, tax preparers and clients work together to artificially reduce income, increase deductions, or otherwise maximize refunds and decrease tax payments, leading to falsified tax returns. In Richmond, any of these could lead to tax fraud conspiracy charges.
The U.S. government takes tax fraud seriously. It is a felony, punishable by fines of up to $250,000 and up to five years’ imprisonment for each charge. Individuals may be required to pay all back taxes, plus interest and penalties. If they are unable to pay, the government could seize their property and other assets.
If you have been charged with tax fraud conspiracy in Richmond, you need immediate legal assistance. Your attorney could help you develop a good defense against both the fraud and conspiracy charges and protect your rights and your assets.
Your attorney could help you develop these strategies and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Once you receive a notice of impending action by the IRS, you have a limited amount of time to respond. Whiteford Tax Defense could assist you with tax fraud conspiracy charges in Richmond. Reach out as soon as you receive a notice, and we will review your case immediately.