Protecting Yourself Against Fraud Charges This Tax Season 

 Posted on March 20, 2023 in Criminal Defense

With tax day just around the corner, now is as good a time as ever to ensure that you understand your tax-related rights as well as the penalties for tax fraud. Being accused of a white-collar crime such as tax fraud or tax evasion can lead to life-changing consequences, including prison time. Tax crimes are federal crimes, and the penalties for a conviction are often harsh.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) frequently works with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate fraudulent activities and initiate mass takedowns involving multiple companies and individuals allegedly involved in evasion schemes. If you or a loved one have been implicated in such a scheme, reach out to an experienced federal criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

The IRS is Vigilant for Signs of Tax Fraud

The IRS looks for certain red flags when investigating a taxpayer. Common signs that will trigger an IRS investigation include underreporting income, claiming false deductions and credits, or failing to file taxes altogether. To protect yourself against these allegations, double-check your information before filing your taxes. Make sure you are filing accurate and complete returns.

If the IRS contacts you with an audit or investigation, it is important to understand your rights as a taxpayer. You have the right to remain silent and consult with an attorney before answering any questions or providing any documents or information to the government. Do not sign any documents without first consulting an experienced attorney.

Tax fraud may be a civil violation or a criminal violation, depending on the circumstances. To convict someone of criminal tax fraud, the prosecution must prove that the defendant knowingly, and with fraudulent intent, submitted a tax document containing incorrect information. Tax fraud may include the misrepresentation of material facts or the omission of facts. For criminal tax fraud, the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, civil tax fraud must be proven by "clear and convincing evidence," a lower standard than the standard for criminal culpability.

Retain Experienced Legal Representation if You Are Under Investigation

If you are accused of a white-collar crime or are under IRS investigation for alleged tax fraud, it is essential to retain high-quality legal representation. A knowledgeable and experienced white-collar criminal defense lawyer can help protect your rights, explain the process to you, and provide advice on how best to proceed.

Contact our Plano Fraud Defense Lawyers

Collin County federal crimes defense lawyer Darlina Crowder has over two decades of experience protecting the rights of the accused. She and the rest of the skilled legal team at The Crowder Law Firm, P.C. have secured more than 300 acquittals for clients facing criminal charges.

If you or a loved one are facing allegations of tax fraud or another federal white-collar offense, contact our office today and set up a free initial consultation. Call 214-544-0061 to get started.

Source:

https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/tax-fraud