Have You Been Accused of Cheating on Your Taxes?

Taxes—nobody likes ‘em! Nonetheless, we all have to assemble all those documents and send the government their share each April, unless you’re one of those lucky enough to get a refund.  Certainly, trying to wiggle the numbers in order to lessen one’s tax debt can be a huge temptation—but one that comes with significant consequences. If you’ve been charged with tax evasion, you need a tough criminal lawyer on your side now!

What Constitutes Tax Evasion? 

People from all backgrounds, income levels, genders, religions and races have been known to take illegal steps to protect their hard-earned money from the government. Tax evasion can occur in many ways, including:

• Underreporting your income: When you deliberately fail to report all income sources in total—including from tips, side jobs, gambling, and regular wages;
• Inflating expenses and/or deductions: If you claim business expenses or deductions that are inaccurate;
• Hiding your assets: Keeping money in shell companies or offshore accounts and failing to report it;
• Refusing to file tax returns: Intentionally failing to file a tax return and therefore avoiding payment on taxable income;
• Payroll tax evasion: Choosing to underreport the number of employees on the payroll, paying people under the table, or failing to remit payroll taxes that have been collected;
• Refund fraud: Creating deceptive credits or deductions in order to file a return to get your hands on unearned refunds.

Penalties for Tax Evasion 

The government takes tax evasion very seriously, and is happy to hand down pretty serious consequences when they identify it:

• Penalties totaling 75 percent of the fraudulent underpayment;
• Individual fines of as much as $100,000;
• Corporate fines of up to $500,000.
• Imprisonment for five or more years, along with a corresponding criminal record that can impact future housing, job opportunities, earning potential, and more.

Defending Against These Charges 

Clients who require a legal defense against the IRS face a complex and difficult road. The defense team can leverage specific provisions within the tax code or even rely on past court decisions that align with the defendant’s position. There may be forensic accounting experts and/or legal scholars who can strengthen these arguments by offering their interpretation of tax laws, or character witnesses to testify to the good faith of the defendant to file an accurate tax return.  By analyzing the evidence and challenging the case set out by the prosecution, it may be possible to have charges dismissed or to come to a satisfactory plea agreement.

Protecting You 

The dedicated La Plata & Waldorf criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A. always fight to achieve the best possible outcomes for you. Schedule a confidential consultation with us today.

Source:

ussc.gov/research/quick-facts/tax-fraud