Once agents in the IRS Criminal Investigation Division identify you as a suspect in a tax evasion case, they will be relentless in their efforts to probe every aspect of your finances. If you are being investigated by the IRS, it is critical that you retain an experienced Pittsburgh tax evasion lawyer who will defend you tenaciously and aggressively. The charges you face will mean years in prison and thousands of dollars in fines if convicted, along with other serious, long-term ramifications on your life and freedom.
What is Tax Evasion?
Under federal law, individuals, corporations, and trusts are obligated to pay the taxes they owe.
You can be indicted for tax evasion, if you:
- Evade paying the federal taxes you owe
- File a false tax return underreporting your income
- File a false tax return understating profit and gains
- Report false deductions
- Overstate deductions
- File false documents
- Create false tax shelters
Tax Mistake Versus Tax Evasion
The U.S. government does not seek to indict people for making errors on their taxes. Federal auditors investigate cases of intentional and deliberate wrongdoing. They particularly look for evasions such as underreporting income.
Federal Investigators and Tax Evasion
Federal agents will often scrutinize your tax returns in the course of investigating you for another federal crime. Although they may be looking for unexplained expenditures or other clues to your alleged criminal activity, you may also have tax evasion added to your other federal charges.
Tax Evasion Penalties
If you are found guilty of federal tax evasion you risk being sent to prison for up to five years, fined up to $100,000, or both. Corporations risk fines of up to $500,000.
An Experienced Pittsburgh Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Tax evasion is a serious matter in Pennsylvania, one that comes with severe penalties. If you are in need of a legal assistance – call one of our Pittsburgh federal attorneys at Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC today.