When facing an investigation of tax crimes by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you might need the assistance of a professional criminal lawyer. Even what seems to be a small mistake on your income reporting can turn into a nasty, drawn-out investigation if you're not careful. A criminal attorney can help you avoid pitfalls and ensure that you get the best legal representation possible.
What You Should Know about Tax Crimes
If you've knowingly committed a tax crime, and the IRS comes a calling, it's wise not to answer any questions until you speak with a criminal lawyer. If the charges are serious enough, you'll want to do the same even if you are completely innocent of a tax crime. There are several types of tax-related crimes. These include a willful underreporting of income (tax evasion), a failure to file tax returns, or tax fraud. Fraud often involves deceiving the IRS or local state tax collectors by falsifying information on tax documents for yourself, your company or employees.
When the IRS begins to probe into your tax and income records, it's time to take notice. You might not realize you're being investigated until official charges have been filed against you. The IRS may question friends, co-workers, relatives, etc. to find out information about you...without your permission. If you suspect you're being investigated but aren't sure, you might want to go ahead and get all your tax records organized (for at least the previous 3 to 5 years) and speak with a criminal lawyer to be on the safe side. If you use the services of an accountant, get him involved as well to ensure you have all the proper records.
Benefits of Hiring a Criminal Lawyer
Probably the greatest benefit is a criminal attorney can help you understand your rights as a citizen and help you overcome obstacles that may arise due to ignorance of the tax laws. Some tax laws are complex and difficult to understand, especially if you haven't carefully studied them. Criminal lawyers that specialize in tax-related crimes already know what the laws are and how they apply to each client. This valuable knowledge can help you potentially win your case if innocent or at least minimize the severity of your punishment if found guilty.
Criminal lawyers can also ensure that you do not incriminate yourself by saying the wrong things. It's important that you have legal representation throughout all questioning from start to finish. An attorney can also help you meet all demands by the government promptly and thoroughly.
Even if committed of a federal or state tax crime, you can likely find representation locally. Search for an attorney in your local area that specializes in tax crimes. Use online searches to narrow your findings, with key phrases that reflect your needs and the local area. For example, if you want to find a Miami criminal attorney, type in, "Miami criminal lawyer." Or for Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas, try these phrases: "Fort Lauderdale criminal attorney," "West Palm Beach criminal lawyer."
Tax crimes are not something to be taken likely; hiring a criminal lawyer is the wisest decision you'll make.
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