DC Federal Tax Fraud Lawyer

Federal tax fraud charges are incredibly serious which means if you learn you are facing criminal tax charges, you should consult with an experienced DC federal tax fraud lawyer who can take steps to protect your rights from the beginning of the investigation process. DC federal attorneys have extensive experience passionately defending DC-area professionals wrongly accused of tax fraud.

Tax Fraud Charges

Tax fraud does occur, but in many cases, over-zealous investigation results in criminal prosecution of errors and mistakes that tax filers never intended to be deceptive or fraudulent. Prosecutors must prove that the accused “willfully and intentionally” sought to defraud the government of taxes owed, and this can be challenging, especially if a lot of time has passed.

Federal tax fraud lawyers in DC can investigate the charges and analyze the evidence against someone in order to best plan a vigorous defense on their behalf.

Mistakes and Filing Errors

Many mistakes and filing errors simply do not typically meet the threshold required to establish that a person has committed intentional tax fraud. Filing or paying taxes late, understating income, negligently failing to adhere to certain tax rules and regulations, bouncing checks, or filing a so-called “frivolous” tax claim are all accusations that would likely be considered an administrative or civil violation warranting a potential fine, but not typically criminal charges unless other factors are present.

If someone believes they have been wrongfully charged with federal tax fraud after making one of these common errors or filing mistakes, or if they are uncertain whether their alleged conduct actually rises to the level criminal tax fraud, a DC federal tax fraud attorney can help.

Willful Tax Fraud

The IRS also conducts investigations that may lead to charges of tax fraud, as opposed to a filing error or mistake. Under 26 U.S. Code Section 7201,  such alleged actions as tax evasion, willful failure to collect or pay taxes, willful failure to file returns or supply needed tax information, making false statements to purchasers or lessees, and interfering with IRS administration efforts can lead to federal criminal charges.

Penalties

Penalties can vary greatly depending on the individual circumstances of each case. Willfully attempting to evade taxes when outstanding taxes are owed carries a penalty of up to $100,000 in fines and up to five years in jail.

Willfully failing to file a return, supply information, or pay owed taxes carries up to $25,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.

Tax charges brought in conjunction with white collar criminal charges, such as embezzlement, larceny, or money laundering, often carry enhanced penalties. A DC federal tax fraud attorney can further explain the specific charges and penalties their client is facing.

Consulting an Attorney

No matter what type of federal tax fraud charges you may be facing, a DC federal tax fraud lawyer can help by analyzing the strengths and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case against you and determining whether there are any valid defenses for your alleged conduct.