What is tax fraud?
Tax fraud, or tax evasion, is the deliberate evasion of tax payments or the deliberate obfuscation of accurate tax assessments. Tax evasion can be conducted by individuals, corporations, or trusts. Typically tax fraud is done through the misrepresentation of the individual, corporation, or trust’s financial affairs to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) so that fewer taxes are owed and fewer taxes are paid. This is done through the intentional misreporting of individual income, underplaying a company’s profitability, or inflating deductions. To be clear: tax fraud is illegal.
Tax evasion is categorized as tax non-compliance, as they are designed to subvert the operations and outcomes of the tax system as designed by the government.
If you or someone you know is suspected or has been accused of committing tax fraud, it’s important to seek and secure legal counsel as soon as possible.
Is tax fraud a felony?
According to the United States tax code regarding the attempt to evade or defeat tax: “Any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.”
More plainly stated, yes, tax fraud is a felony, and it comes with hefty fines for both the individuals and organizations who are proven to have committed it.
How can a criminal defense attorney defend me
against charges of tax fraud?
Of course, the primary role of a criminal defense attorney is to create a defense for their clients. This includes, but is not at all limited to preparation for and representation at trial (assuming the case goes to trial).
Legal representation is a critical piece of your defense from the very moment you’re accused of committing a crime. Having trusted, respected legal counsel to guide you through the rough waters of the legal system — from speaking (or not speaking) to authorities to how to best handle media inquiries — will help you achieve the best possible outcome, given the legal obstacles you are facing.
Though most criminal defense attorneys specialize in one aspect of the law, all of these specialties will include knowledge in dealing with the arrest, your charges, an investigation of the alleged crime, representation in court, sentencing outcomes, appeals, and any issues occurring post-trial that must be dealt with.
Your criminal defense attorney should have a deep understanding of the United States Constitution, and the ability to use that knowledge in accordance with federal law and other relevant legal precedents in order to protect their clients’ rights in the face of criminal charges.
In the instance of tax fraud, your criminal defense team will need access to your personal or professional (or both) financial records in order to create a thorough defense. Your lawyer should never be surprised by the information you’re sharing as you go through this process together. The best legal outcomes for you mean you need to be totally transparent with your counsel.
I’ve been accused of tax evasion. Why should I choose the law offices of Robert J. DeGroot for my defense attorney?
Legal problems, like tax evasion, can pose a real threat to your freedom and have a serious impact on your life. It is your constitutional right to legal representation, and you deserve a defense attorney who will aggressively protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case. We’re a well-respected, well-reviewed firm consisting of an experienced staff focused on delivering you positive results. Contact us today for your free consultation.
