Orlando Tax Fraud Lawyer
Every year, the United States government loses millions of dollars to tax fraud. Many people may think that tax fraud is a victimless crime and that making small omissions or unlawful deductions is not very serious. Unfortunately, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and federal prosecutors do not view it that way. If you are indicted, you may face very serious penalties under both criminal and civil law. An Orlando tax fraud lawyer can protect your best interests and give you the best chance of a positive outcome.
Defining Tax Fraud
Tax fraud, or tax evasion, is classified as a white collar crime that occurs when someone uses their taxes for unlawful gain. Federal law defines tax fraud very simply as the deliberate attempt to defeat or evade any tax in any manner. Individuals, businesses, and even government entities are accused of tax fraud every year. The most common type of tax fraud include:
- Intentionally failing to file income taxes
- Misrepresenting or underreporting your taxable income
- Placing fraudulently higher prices on expenses to lower income
- Hiding property or assets
- Fraudulently claiming refunds
- Claiming personal expenses as business expenses
- Underreporting sales
- Preparing documents such as company books or tax returns with misleading or unfounded numbers and other information
Penalties for Tax Fraud
If you believe you are being investigated for tax fraud or tax evasion, or you have been indicted, you must take the matter seriously. The penalties for a conviction are very harsh. You may face up to five years in federal prison, and a fine of $100,000 or $500,000, depending on whether the fraud involved an individual or a business, respectively. You will also still owe any taxes, and interest, that you avoided paying or attempted to avoid paying.
Why Work with a Tax Fraud Lawyer?
Being investigated by the IRS or a federal prosecutor is a very scary experience. These government agencies are sometimes overzealous when pursuing these charges because they have a tremendous amount of resources at their disposal to obtain a conviction against you. It is critical that you work with a lawyer who will protect your best interests and make sure your rights are upheld.
There are defenses to tax fraud, and a lawyer will know what those are, and how to use them effectively. For example, you may not have been aware that another person deliberately made fraudulent statements on a tax return, or you could have made an honest mistake when filling out your return.
Our Tax Fraud Lawyer in Orlando Can Help You Beat Your Charges
At Joshi Law Firm, P.A., our Orlando tax fraud lawyer can protect you against the harsh consequences a conviction will bring. Our seasoned attorney has the necessary tax law knowledge, and can prevent the prosecution from building a strong case against you so you retain your freedom. Call us now at 407-661-1109 or reach out to us online to request a free consultation and to obtain the sound legal advice you need.
