Similarly to any criminal accusation, the steps that you take initially will be important for your case going forward. The very first thing you should do when contacted by IRS criminal investigators is to remain calm and polite, but do not answer any questions without legal counsel. You can do this by politely stating, “I would like to speak with my attorney before answering any further questions.” It is important that you do not volunteer any information, even if you think it could exonerate you. From there, reach out to our tax attorneys for immediate help so that we can ensure your rights are protected and you have a strong defense on your side.

Just because you make a mistake on your taxes, doesn’t mean you will be charged with a crime. When it comes to taxes, the IRS distinguishes between those that make honest mistakes and those that intentionally commit fraud. That means that if you completed an error when you filed, you miscalculated, or you misunderstood a tax law, you will likely receive penalties such as fines, but you will not be charged with a tax crime. To be accused of a tax crime you must have committed intentional fraud which includes any action where evidence points to deliberate tax evasion. That said, if you are falsely accused of anything or you want to know more about your rights when it comes to taxes, reach out to our skilled attorneys with years of experience in tax law under their belts.

There are several key signs that suggest you might be under investigation for a tax crime. If you’re unsure or you know you are being investigated, feel free to reach out to our lawyers for a consultation to know what your next best steps will be. The key signs you are under investigation include, unusually long audits, requests for more extensive financial records, involvement of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, interviews with your business associates, employees, or family, or receiving a subpoena. If any of these things happen to you, you should strongly consider reaching out to an Oceanside tax attorney.

Yes, it is possible to negotiate a settlement with the IRS and our attorneys can help. However, not every circumstance will allow this. Some things you can do when you’re under investigation to possibly receive a more favorable income include, cooperating right away with the IRS, negotiating a plea deal, qualifying for the Voluntary Disclosure Program. Of course it is important to consult with a tax attorney before you choose to implement any of these options in court. Your attorney can evaluate your situation and determine the best steps to take for the best possible outcome in your particular case. Contact our Oceanside tax attorneys at Silver Law today.

Your credit score can be seriously impacted by a criminal tax case which is why it is important to have an attorney by your side as quickly as possible to find the evidence necessary for a strong defense. Your credit score can be lowered significantly by tax liens that might appear on your credit report for unpaid taxes. You could face major fines and penalties that could be difficult to pay, leading to defaults or collections. In more serious cases, if the amount is overwhelming, you may need to file for bankruptcy, which negatively impacts credit scores significantly. Because of all this and more, it is important to hire a tax attorney to ensure the circumstances you are facing are just and protect your rights.

Yes you can. If you underreport income, you could face serious penalties, and even criminal charges if you did so intentionally. While unintentional errors can lead to fines and other penalties, you can face criminal charges with hefty fines, jail time, and more. The IRS has many tools that are skilled at noticing underreported income, so it is wise not to attempt doing so. However, if you are under investigation for underreported income, our attorneys can help before the issue escalates. We will take a look at your taxes and help you correct past returns, negotiate settlements, and defend you against criminal charges. If you’re facing serious tax fraud accusations, give yourself peace of mind by hiring our attorneys.

The IRS typically focuses the majority of their efforts on cases where there is strong evidence for tax fraud or evasion. Because of this, the IRS itself boasts a 90% conviction rate. This is because if they are pursuing your case, there is likely ample evidence to prove your tax crime already. Because of the IRS’s high conviction rate, it is even more essential to hire legal representation. Your attorney can work to challenge evidence, negotiate a plea deal, or reduce your penalties. At Silver Law, our lawyers are thoroughly trained to understand tax law and will aggressively represent you in your case.