WITH US
Tax / IRS Fraud
Tax fraud has severe financial implications for the government every year. To combat this issue, both the Butler area and the IRS have implemented whistleblower programs, which incentivize individuals to report instances of businesses and individuals evading tax liabilities. Various tax fraud schemes exist, including:
- Illegally avoiding sales tax payments
- Fraudulent claiming of credits
- Concealing or failing to report income
- Inflating deductions or expenses
- Engaging in under-the-table payments or employee misclassification
- Promoting or investing in fake tax shelters
- Hiding income in offshore accounts.
Facing an investigation for tax fraud can be an intimidating experience. In addition to scrutinizing your tax returns, federal prosecutors and IRS agents may personally question you about your finances. This is when the expertise of a reputable Butler PA tax fraud lawyer becomes crucial. At Logue Law Group, we possess a comprehensive understanding of the law and are prepared to advocate on your behalf against federal authorities.
What is Federal Tax Fraud?
Federal law deems the following actions as illegal:
- Filing fraudulent tax returns that inaccurately report income
- Submitting false documentation
- Failing to submit a complete tax return
- Willfully evading tax payments owed to the government
- Neglecting to collect employment taxes
- Engaging in money laundering
It’s important to note that the government sometimes confuses the line between mistakes on tax forms and actual fraud. During an audit, auditors diligently search for intentional misconduct, but they may mistakenly attribute carelessness or errors to illicit activities. Their focus primarily lies on actions such as concealing assets, understating income, and lack of cooperation in illegal activity investigations conducted by the IRS.
If you ever find yourself undergoing an IRS audit, the implications can be quite significant. While the main focus is usually to recover any outstanding taxes, penalties, and interest, there is a possibility that you could face even more severe consequences. Accusations of tax fraud can lead to substantial penalties or even a criminal investigation.
This is especially true if you are a Butler resident. In such circumstances, it is crucial to seek the guidance of a Butler PA DUI attorney to safeguard your rights. It is worth noting that if you become the subject of a federal government investigation for another crime, they will likely scrutinize your tax returns. Particularly, they will pay close attention to significant expenses that surpass your reported income, as these could be perceived as signs of undisclosed illegal earnings. This puts you at risk of being accused of tax fraud and associated criminal activities.
What Will be the Penalty?
The penalties for tax or IRS fraud upon conviction can be severe. Fines can reach up to $100,000 for individuals, and even $500,000 for corporations. In addition, imprisonment in a federal penitentiary for up to 5 years is a possibility. Moreover, it is essential to be aware that you will be liable for the cost of prosecuting each individual tax crime, which often leaves you with a debt far greater than the initial owed amount.
Ways in Which a Butler Tax Fraud Attorney Can Help
In such complex situations, having a skilled Butler PA tax fraud attorney on your side can make a significant difference. These legal professionals will ensure that the burden of proof, demonstrating willful and deliberate tax fraud, is not met. They will present your case in a manner that either highlights your lack of understanding of the law or proves that any mistakes in calculations were simple and unintentional.
Facing fraud charges in Butler means dealing with determined prosecutors and stringent laws. However, with the assistance of our top-rated Butler PA criminal lawyer, you will be guided through your options, giving you the best possible chance at a favorable outcome for your case.
To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced tax fraud lawyer in the Butler area, please contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI. We are here to help.