Tax / IRS Fraud

Tax fraud represents a massive financial drain on the government every single year. To fight back against this significant loss of revenue, both the Morgantown region and the IRS have established specific whistleblower programs. These initiatives are designed to incentivize individuals to come forward and report any businesses or people who are dodging their tax liabilities.

Common schemes used to commit tax fraud often include:

• Illegally avoiding the payment of sales taxes.
• Fraudulently claiming tax credits.
• Concealing income or failing to report it entirely, while simultaneously inflating expenses or deductions.
• Making “under-the-table” payments to workers or misclassifying employees to avoid taxes.
• Promoting or investing in bogus tax shelters.
• Stashing income in offshore bank accounts to hide it from authorities.

Facing an investigation for tax fraud can be a terrifying experience. It goes beyond a simple review of your tax returns; federal prosecutors and IRS agents may subject you to intense personal questioning regarding your finances. This is the moment when having the expertise of a reputable legal team becomes vital. At Mountaineer Law Group, serving Berks County and Pennsylvania, we possess a deep understanding of these laws. We are ready to advocate for you against federal authorities, and a skilled Morgantown criminal lawyer can provide the defense strategy you need during these challenging times.

What is Federal Tax Fraud?

Federal law explicitly categorizes the following actions as illegal:

• Filing fraudulent tax returns that report inaccurate income figures.
• Submitting false or forged documentation.
• Failing to submit a complete and accurate tax return.
• Willfully evading tax payments that are owed to the government.
• Neglecting to collect necessary employment taxes.
• Participating in money laundering activities.

The government often blurs the line between a simple mistake on your tax forms and actual criminal fraud. During an audit, officials will diligently search for intentional misconduct, but they may mistakenly interpret carelessness or simple errors as illicit activities. They specifically focus on actions such as concealing assets, understating income, and a lack of cooperation during investigations. While you might associate legal help with a Morgantown DUI attorney, having versatile legal counsel is essential here because if an audit shifts into a fraud accusation, the consequences are severe.

In most scenarios, if you undergo an IRS audit, the agency aims to collect back taxes along with interest and penalties. However, if they accuse you of tax fraud following the audit, you could face substantial penalties or a criminal investigation. If you are a resident of Morgantown, it is essential to consult a tax fraud attorney to protect your rights. Additionally, if you become the subject of a federal government investigation for another crime, they are likely to scrutinize your tax returns as well. They look for significant expenditures that exceed reported income as signs of undisclosed illegal funds. In these cases, a Morgantown criminal lawyer is necessary to defend you against risks of tax fraud accusations linked to other criminal activities.

What Will be the Penalty?

Upon conviction for Tax or IRS fraud, the penalties can be financially and personally devastating. You may be subject to fines as high as $100,000 for individuals, or even $500,000 for corporations. Alternatively, you might face imprisonment in a federal penitentiary for up to 5 years. It is also important to note that you will be responsible for covering the cost of prosecuting each individual tax crime, which often results in a debt considerably greater than the original amount owed. Navigating these potential penalties requires a legal professional who knows the local landscape, much like a seasoned Morgantown DUI attorney understands local traffic laws, to help mitigate these severe outcomes.

Ways in Which a Morgantown Tax Fraud Attorney Can Help

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must establish that you acted willfully and deliberately in committing tax fraud. A skilled criminal lawyer will ensure that this burden of proof is not met. We will demonstrate to the judge and jury that you either lacked a proper understanding of the complex tax laws or made a simple, unintentional mistake in your calculations.

When you are faced with fraud charges, you will encounter determined prosecutors and rigid laws in Morgantown. Our top-rated Morgantown DUI attorney at Mountaineer Law Group will guide you through your options and strive to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced tax fraud lawyer in the area, reach out to us online or call (304) 381-3656.