In our last blog, we covered a brief overview of tax fraud and the headache that tax fraud cases often come with for those who have been charged. Today we’ll go over some of the most commonly asked questions we get for those looking for a more comprehensive understanding of tax fraud.
What is Tax Fraud?
Broken down to its simplest definition, tax fraud is when a person cheats on his or her taxes. According an article on Investopedia, “Tax fraud occurs when an individual or business entity willfully and intentionally falsifies information on a tax return in order to limit the amount of tax liability.” They go on to note that “examples of tax fraud include claiming false deductions; claiming personal expenses as business expenses; and not reporting income.”
Basically, tax fraud occurs when a person attempts to willfully falsify a tax return in order to avoid paying what they actually owe. Keep in mind, however, that tax fraud and negligence are two different things.
Who Contacts You For Tax Fraud?
If you’re facing charges for tax fraud, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will be in contact with you. It is important to note that there are a number of scams that are run by people posing as the IRS, so don’t hesitate to ask for identification and be sure that you’re not being taken advantage of if you’re contacted by the IRS.
Additionally, the IRS website provides helpful information about all of the schemes, cons, and scams so the public can be informed.
Who Investigates Tax Fraud?
Once again, the answer is the IRS. A Special Agent working for the IRS has to follow certain procedures when it comes to investigating potential tax fraud. According to their website, “These procedures include approval by several IRS officials to ensure investigations are based on factual evidence that tax fraud or another financial crime has occurred.”
For more information, you can read all about financial investigations, the jobs of Criminal Investigation agents for the IRS, and what the areas of focus for financial investigations and tax crimes looks like over on the IRS website.
When Should I Hire a Tax Fraud Lawyer?
The answer to this question is simple.
You should hire a tax fraud lawyer as soon as possible.
You can avoid a number of headaches and roadblocks by being sure that you have a good tax fraud lawyer by your side. Here at the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot, we would say that the rule of thumb is to contact a tax fraud lawyer as soon as you think you might need one and not a second later.
Even though you’re probably feeling a large amount of stress, don’t let the situation cause you to settle for the first lawyer you find on Google. Take a bit of time, do your research, and hire the best tax fraud lawyer you can find. Trust us when we say that it will save you money and time in the long run to hire an attorney with a proven track record of success.
The Newark Tax Fraud Lawyer with Experience
Robert J. DeGroot is the tax fraud attorney you can count on to get the job done right. With over four decades of experience in the industry, we have the knowledge, skills, and familiarity with the system to help you to secure a positive outcome for the situation you’re in.
When you’re in a difficult situation, you need someone in your corner who will fight hard for you. At the Law Offices of Robert J. DeGroot, that’s exactly what you get. We know the ins and outs of tax fraud and we can tailor our defense to suit your needs, ensuring that you get the best possible team behind you who knows exactly how to tackle your specific situation.
For a free initial consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us online. We’d be happy to speak with you regarding your situation and help you to decide what your next steps should be. When you’re facing a legal problem, it can feel like a nightmare. Our team of experienced associates and paralegals is here to help. Let us work hard for you in order to secure the resolution you need to your trial. Contact us today!