Top-Rated Los Angeles Tax Attorneys

An IRS Special Agent is a criminal investigator who works for the IRS Criminal Investigation division. These agents are responsible for investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code, including tax evasion, money laundering, and other financial crimes. They have extensive training in accounting and law enforcement, enabling them to conduct complex financial investigations. Special Agents are authorized to carry firearms, execute search warrants, and make arrests. Their work often involves collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to build cases that can lead to criminal prosecutions.

Yes, you can go to jail for not paying taxes if it involves willful evasion or fraud. Failure to file a tax return, underreporting income, or making false statements to the IRS can lead to criminal charges and imprisonment. The IRS prioritizes cases with clear intent to deceive, as opposed to unintentional mistakes. Penalties for tax evasion can include prison sentences of up to five years per offense, substantial fines, and additional civil penalties. However, genuine inability to pay taxes, if reported honestly and dealt with proactively, typically results in civil penalties rather than jail time. If you’re facing penalties for not paying taxes, contact our attorneys at Silver Law to see how we can reduce your consequences.

Tax avoidance is the legal practice of using tax laws to minimize tax liability through legitimate means such as deductions, credits, and strategic financial planning. Tax evasion, on the other hand, is the illegal act of deliberately misrepresenting or concealing information to reduce tax liability, such as underreporting income or inflating deductions. While tax avoidance is considered prudent financial management and is within the boundaries of the law, tax evasion is a criminal offense punishable by fines, penalties, and imprisonment.

If found guilty of tax evasion, the consequences can be severe and include both criminal and civil penalties. Criminal penalties often involve imprisonment, with sentences potentially reaching up to five years per offense. Additionally, substantial fines can be imposed, sometimes amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Civil penalties may include the repayment of the owed taxes with interest and additional penalties, sometimes up to 75% of the underpaid tax. A conviction can also result in a permanent criminal record, damaging one’s personal and professional reputation.

Legal counsel is essential for tax-related crimes because tax law is complex and requires specialized knowledge to navigate effectively. Our experienced attorneys can help interpret intricate tax codes and identify potential defenses. They provide guidance on compliance and help mitigate penalties, potentially reducing or eliminating fines and jail time. Legal representation ensures that a defendant’s rights are protected throughout the legal process. Additionally, our attorneys can negotiate with tax authorities, aiming for settlements or plea bargains that might be more favorable than court verdicts.