The IRS Criminal Investigation Division (CI) is devoted to probing around for possible criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code and related financial crimes
It’s made up of highly trained forensic financial investigators who conduct criminal tax investigations into individuals and businesses suspected of tax and financial crimes. If you are charged with a tax crime, you’ll need legal help. Navigating the complexities of tax crimes can be overwhelming without the guidance of a knowledgeable tax attorney.
An experienced attorney at Ledingham Law can analyze your case, determine the potential consequences you may face, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. Contact us at (240) 673-6869 today!
Ledingham Law‘s legal team provides representation to clients in Maryland who are under investigation for a wide range of common tax crimes. These may be:
You can be charged with civil tax fraud when you underreport income, fail to file your tax returns, or overstate deductions. Criminal tax fraud charges apply when you willfully and intentionally evade tax by committing illegal acts like falsifying documents or deliberately hiding income.
Generally, civil tax fraud involves recklessness and negligence, while criminal tax fraud involves intentional tax evasion. Upon conviction, civil tax fraud results in penalties against the taxpayer, such as a tax levy and payment of unpaid taxes.
In civil tax cases, the standard is a preponderance of the evidence, which means that the IRS must only show that a fact is “highly” certain. With criminal tax fraud, the consequences could include imprisonment. And when the court passes its judgment, the standard is “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
After auditing a tax return, the IRS decides whether to impose civil penalties or prosecute for tax fraud or evasion. If you’re charged and convicted of tax evasion, you can face jail time.
Generally, most tax crimes carry a maximum five-year prison term and a fine of $250,000. In some instances, a penalty of 75% of the tax due can be imposed. The IRS can impose civil penalties, criminal penalties, or both.
The IRS will decide to prosecute only in cases where it’s clear that the taxpayer was breaking the law intentionally and was not forthcoming during the tax audit. As such, it is very important to have an experienced tax defense attorney from the beginning of the audit process.
Ledingham Law can negotiate with the IRS, present the evidence in your favor, discuss voluntary disclosures for unrelated years, as well as defend you if you are criminally prosecuted.
If you are dealing with tax-related challenges that have resulted in conflicts with the IRS, you need legal assistance. With severe consequences upon conviction, you need an experienced tax law firm you can trust with your legal matter- you need Ledingham Law.
Ledingham Law is comprised of skilled criminal tax attorneys who can provide adequate criminal defense and ensure that you get a favorable outcome. Contact us at (240) 673-6869 today!