Tax / IRS Fraud

Tax fraud is a significant issue that costs the government substantial revenue each year. To address this problem, both the Steubenville area and the IRS have established whistleblower programs. These initiatives provide incentives for individuals to report businesses and people who are avoiding their tax obligations.

Various schemes constitute tax fraud, including:

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

Being investigated for tax fraud can be an intimidating process. Federal prosecutors and IRS agents may scrutinize your tax returns and personally question you about your financial situation. During this time, the expertise of a reputable Steubenville tax fraud lawyer is essential. At Logue Law Group, we have a thorough understanding of tax law and are prepared to defend you against federal authorities. A knowledgeable Steubenville criminal lawyer can provide the guidance you need.

What is Federal Tax Fraud?

Federal law defines several actions as illegal in the context of taxes:

• Filing fraudulent tax returns that inaccurately report income
• Submitting false documentation to the IRS
• Failing to file a complete tax return
• Intentionally evading tax payments owed to the government
• Neglecting to collect and pay employment taxes
• Engaging in money laundering activities

The government often blurs the line between honest mistakes on tax forms and deliberate fraud. During an audit, IRS auditors will look for intentional misconduct but can sometimes mistake simple carelessness or errors for illegal activities. They specifically search for actions like concealing assets, understating income, and a lack of cooperation during an investigation, which they might view as signs of illegal activity.

In most IRS audits, the goal is to collect any back taxes owed, along with penalties and interest. However, if the audit leads to an accusation of tax fraud, the consequences can be much more severe, potentially including substantial penalties or even a criminal investigation. If you are a Steubenville resident, it is critical to consult a Steubenville criminal lawyer to protect your rights. Furthermore, if you are under federal investigation for another crime, your tax returns will likely be examined. Authorities will be particularly interested in large expenditures that exceed your reported income, as these can be seen as indicators of undisclosed illegal income. This can put you at risk of being accused of both tax fraud and other related criminal activities. It is wise to seek advice from a Steubenville DUI attorney if you face multiple legal issues.

What Will be the Penalty?

If you are convicted of Tax or IRS fraud, you could face fines up to $100,000 for individuals, or $500,000 for corporations. In some cases, you might face imprisonment in a federal penitentiary for up to five years. It’s also important to know that you will be responsible for paying the costs of prosecuting each tax crime, which can result in a total debt significantly larger than the original amount owed.

Ways in Which a Steubenville DUI attorney Can Help

To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove that you acted willfully and deliberately to commit tax fraud. A skilled lawyer in Steubenville will work to ensure this burden of proof is not met. They will argue to the judge and jury that you either did not understand the law or made a simple, unintentional calculation mistake.

When facing fraud charges in Steubenville, you will be up against determined prosecutors and strict laws. Our top-rated Steubenville criminal lawyer will walk you through your options and fight to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

To schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced tax fraud lawyer in the Steubenville area, contact us online or call 844.PITT.DUI.