Tax / IRS Fraud

Tax fraud results in substantial financial losses for the government each year. To counter this, both the Wheeling area and the IRS have established whistleblower programs. These programs offer incentives for people to report businesses and individuals who are not paying their proper tax liabilities.

Common Tax Fraud Schemes

There are numerous ways tax fraud can be committed, including:

• Illegally avoiding the payment of sales tax
• Fraudulently claiming tax credits
• Concealing income, failing to report it, or inflating deductions and expenses
• Making “under-the-table” payments or misclassifying employees
• Promoting or investing in fraudulent tax shelters
• Hiding income in offshore bank accounts

Being investigated for tax fraud can be an intimidating process. Federal prosecutors and IRS agents will not only review your tax returns but may also question you directly about your financial situation. During these times, having a reputable Wheeling tax fraud lawyer is essential. At Logue Law Group, our Wheeling criminal lawyer team has a thorough understanding of tax law and is ready to defend you against federal authorities.

What is Federal Tax Fraud?

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

• Filing fraudulent tax returns with inaccurate income reporting
• Submitting false or forged documents
• Failing to submit a complete and accurate tax return
• Willfully avoiding tax payments that are legally owed to the government
• Neglecting to collect and pay employment taxes
• Engaging in money laundering activities

The line between an honest mistake on your tax forms and deliberate fraud can often be blurred by the government. During an audit, IRS agents will look for any signs of intentional misconduct. They might misinterpret simple carelessness or errors as illegal activities. Auditors specifically focus on actions like concealing assets, understating your income, and a lack of cooperation during investigations into potential illegal activity. When you need help, it is best to contact a Wheeling DUI attorney.

In most situations, an IRS audit concludes with the collection of 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, including substantial financial penalties or even a criminal investigation. If you are a resident of Wheeling, consulting with a Wheeling DUI attorney is vital to protect your rights. Furthermore, if you are under a federal investigation for another crime, your tax returns will likely be scrutinized. Investigators will be particularly interested in large expenditures that exceed your reported income, viewing them as potential indicators of undisclosed illegal income.

What Will be the Penalty?

If you are convicted of Tax or IRS fraud, the penalties can be harsh. You may be fined up to $100,000, or up to $500,000 for corporations. In some cases, you could face imprisonment in a federal penitentiary for as long as 5 years. It is also important to know that you will be held responsible for the costs of prosecuting each individual tax crime. This often leads to a total debt far greater than the original amount you were accused of owing.

Ways in Which a Wheeling DUI attorney Can Help

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

When you are facing fraud charges in Wheeling, you will be up against determined prosecutors and strict laws. Our top-rated Wheeling criminal lawyer will review all your options with you and fight to achieve the best possible outcome for your specific case.

Contact Us

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