Understanding Tax Fraud Charges

Posted By Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass || 30-Mar-2016

Tax Day – the filing deadline for IRS Tax Returns – is fast approaching. While some Americans’ may be enjoying their refunds or scrambling to get their finances and documents in order, others are fearful of an audit, with good reason.

The IRS uses aggressive methods to hold those guilty of tax fraud accountable for their actions. However, given the complicated nature of the tax code, it's easy to make careless mistakes on your tax return or make fails to pay. If you or someone you know has been accused of tax fraud, you have the right to call a criminal defense attorney and arrange for legal representation. Your criminal defense lawyer may help reduce the possibility of conviction for this white collar crime.

• Types of Tax Fraud - There are many different actions that could constitute tax fraud, all of which involve a willful attempt to either defraud the IRS or to violate tax law. For example, an individual may be charged with tax fraud if he or she intentionally does not file an income tax return or fails to pay the amount of taxes due. Making fraudulent or false claims on a tax return, preparing and filing a false tax return, and underreporting income are all forms of tax fraud. Likewise, falsely inflating deductions is illegal. Individuals who have been accused of any of these offenses should retain the services of a criminal defense attorney.
• Penalties for Tax Fraud - A criminal defense lawyer can help defendants understand the potential penalties they may face upon conviction. For example, making false statements is a felony and it is punishable by a fine of up to $250,000 for individuals. Corporations could face a fine of up to $500,000. A convicted offender may also face terms of imprisonment in a federal correctional facility. Willful failure to file a tax return or pay all taxes due can result in a penalty of up to a year behind bars and a hefty fine.

Taxes are complex in nature, which is why white collar crime cases involving tax fraud demand the attention of a criminal defense attorney with ample experience handling these charges. If charges have not yet been filed against you, but you believe you are under investigation or you would like to resolve past tax issues – we encourage you to reach out to our firm. Allowing tax issues to pile up can lead to more serious charges and penalties.

To learn more about tax fraud charges and how our Plano criminal defense lawyer can help you, contact the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Grass for a free and confidential consultation!