Tax Evasion Defense Attorney in Orlando
Tax evasion, or tax fraud as some refer to it, is a white-collar crime that can result in serious punishment for those convicted either at the state or federal level. Many people "fudge" on deductions in an effort to reduce the amount of tax they owe, however completely avoiding taxes is an entirely different matter. It is critical to work with an Orlando tax evasion defense attorney when you find yourself in legal trouble.
Central Florida Tax Fraud Defense Lawyer Before You Face an IndictmentYou know when the IRS is harassing you whether by mail or phone; you also know when you haven't filed taxes with the government in order to avoid handing over a portion of your hard-earned money. However, when you are being investigated or threatened by the IRS the problem is not going to go away on its own. By working with a tax evasion defense attorney in Orlando at the onset of problems, it may be possible to avoid an indictment.
Is Tax Evasion a Civil or Criminal Offense?On occasion people do make innocent mistakes, such as taking deductions they are not entitled to or claiming a lesser amount of income. While you may face penalties after being investigated or audited by the IRS, this type of fraud is generally considered a civil offense. However, when you purposely overestimate expenses related to your business, report far less income than you actually made or even attempt to hide income, invest in fraudulent companies or neglect to file tax returns at all, the situation becomes criminal. In this case you may face substantial fines and time behind prison bars.
Sec. 7201 of the Internal Revenue Code defines tax evasion as:
“Any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed by this title or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of a corporation), or imprisoned not more than 5 years, or both, together with the costs of prosecution.”
Contact Adams, Luka, & Benton ImmediatelyIf you are being investigated by the IRS or fear you may face criminal charges it is imperative to consult with a skilled and knowledgeable tax evasion defense attorney immediately. Fighting these serious charges requires a lawyer who will work with you regarding your legal options, whether it may be best to negotiate with the IRS or to proceed to trial after developing a solid, effective defense strategy. Do not put it off; contact Adams, Luka, & Benton for a free case evaluation.