Tax / IRS Fraud

Tax fraud incurs significant costs for the government annually. To tackle this issue, whistleblower programs have been implemented by both the Washington area and the IRS. These programs provide incentives for individuals to report instances of businesses and individuals evading tax obligations.

Various tax fraud schemes include:

• Illegally avoiding sales tax payments.
• Fraudulently claiming credits.
• Concealing or failing to report income, and inflating deductions or expenses.
• Engaging in under-the-table payments or misclassifying employees.
• Promoting or investing in fraudulent tax shelters.
• Hiding income in offshore accounts.

Being subjected to a tax fraud investigation can be an intimidating experience. Alongside scrutinizing your tax returns, federal prosecutors and IRS agents may personally inquire about your financial situation. This is when the expertise of a reputable tWashington PA DUI lawyer in Washington becomes invaluable. At Logue Law Group, we possess a comprehensive understanding of the law and are prepared to vigorously advocate on your behalf against federal authorities.

What is Federal Tax Fraud?

The federal law identifies several 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.

However, the government sometimes blurs the line between honest mistakes and intentional fraud. During an audit, auditors diligently search for intentional misconduct but may mistakenly attribute carelessness or errors to illicit activities. They pay particular attention to actions like concealing assets, understating income, and lack of cooperation in illegal activity investigations conducted by the IRS.

If you find yourself undergoing an IRS audit, their primary objective is to collect any owed back taxes, including penalties and interest. However, if the audit leads to an accusation of tax fraud, the consequences can be severe. You could face substantial penalties or even criminal investigation. If you reside in Washington, it is crucial to consult a Washington PA criminal attorney to safeguard your rights in such circumstances. Furthermore, if you become the subject of a federal government investigation for another crime, expect your tax returns to come under scrutiny. Officials will be particularly interested in significant expenditures that exceed reported income, interpreting them as potential signs of undisclosed illegal income. This puts you at risk of being accused of tax fraud and associated criminal activities.

What Will be the Penalty? 

Upon conviction, fines can reach as high as $100,000, or even $500,000 for corporations. Alternatively, imprisonment in a federal penitentiary for up to 5 years may be imposed. It is important to note that you will also be responsible for covering the cost of prosecuting each individual tax crime, often resulting in a debt significantly greater than the original owed amount.

Ways in Which a Washington Tax Fraud Attorney Can Help

When it comes to tax fraud allegations, the burden of proof is on the prosecutors to establish willful and deliberate actions. A skilled Washington PA DUI attorney will ensure that this burden is not met. They will effectively demonstrate to the judge and jury that either there was a lack of understanding of the law or a simple, unintentional mistake in calculations.

Facing fraud charges in Washington can be challenging, with determined prosecutors and strict laws. Our top-rated Washington PA criminal lawyer is here to guide you through your options and strive for the best possible outcome for your case.

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced tax fraud lawyer in the Washington area, simply reach out to us online or call 844.PITT.DUI. We are here to help.