Federal Tax Evasion Lawyer Pennsylvania

Information on Federal Tax Evasion & Tax Fraud

Penalties, Proceedings and Criminal Defense

Federal Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud is considered a white collar crime and punishment if convicted usually means up to three years in prison.

If you were charged with committing a federal tax crime, it is likely that you have also been charged with violating state tax laws and will face both state and federal charges, in two separate courts.

Facing severe penalties as well as both state and federal charges requires a very knowledgeable Federal Tax Fraud attorney who has experience in both state and federal courts. The laws, as well as the rules of procedure vary greatly between state and federal court. You need someone prepared to handle your case on all fronts.

An arrest is not a conviction.

At Ketchel Law, we are well-versed in both state and federal court systems and can help you understand your rights and your options to fight against your charges.

We are successful and experienced Federal Criminal Attorneys and White Collar Crime Lawyers in Pennsylvania.

If you were indicted on a federal tax evasion crime, think you may be charged, or are under investigation, contact Attorney Justin J. Ketchel immediately for a free case evaluation.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR FEDERAL CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED.

Call 412-456-1221 for a free consultation

PITTSBURGH FEDERAL CRIME LAWYERS

 

COMMON TAX EVASION CASES

There are many ways a person can violate the federal tax code. Tax evasion is the biggest contributor to the tax gap, or revenue the federal government misses out on every year. This is estimated to be about $500 billion per year. Therefore, tax evasion is considered a very serious crime and is punished with both a jail sentence and hefty monetary penalties.

The U.S. government makes the penalties of tax evasion severe to deter people from committing tax crimes. The extra money you think you are saving will not seem worth it if you get caught.

The U.S. Tax Code, Title 26, Section 7201 states that it is a crime to willfully evade assessment or payment of taxes imposed by the federal government. Within this section, there are specific offenses that each carry their own penalty.

Offenses for violating the U.S. Tax Code include:

  • Attempt to evade or defeat tax;
  • Willful failure to pay;
  • Willful failure to file tax returns or provide information;
  • Fraudulent statements;
  • Attempt to interfere with administration of IRS laws.

The main reason a federal tax evasion case would be pursued is usually concealing assets and income. But, as you can see from the list above, you may commit more than one of these listed tax evasion offenses.

With each offense carrying a separate penalty, you face the risk of a lengthy prison sentence and great financial burden.

Remember, being charged with a crime, does not mean that you will be convicted.  It is extremely important that you are represented properly throughout the duration of your case.

If you suspect you are under investigation for a federal crime, you should speak to an experienced Federal Tax Evasion attorney as soon as possible.

For a free evaluation of your case, please call Attorney Justin Ketchel today at 412-456-1221.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR FEDERAL CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED.

Call 412-456-1221 for a free consultation

PITTSBURGH FEDERAL CRIME LAWYERS

 

HOW A TAX EVASION CASE TYPICALLY EVOLVES

An example of a typical tax evasion case would be as follows:

Person X has a typical job that they go to Monday through Friday and earn a regular wage. In Person X’s free time, however, they run a small business on the side and clients pay Person X in cash for services. Person X deposits the cash earnings in a special account to save money.

When Person X files taxes, they only file the income from their regular, daytime job and make no mention of their side business. Person X gets audited by the IRS. They ask for multiple forms of documentation and question Person X about additional income. Person X does not reveal the side business income or special account.

The IRS begins to look into the case further and search for clues. If they find have strong suspicions or find suspicious information, they open a full investigation. During the investigation they will search for evidence to prove a deliberate intent to withhold assets.

If you are under investigation by the IRS for tax evasion, you should seek qualified counsel immediately. The repercussions of a conviction are severe and the IRS does not give breaks to those they believe willfully defrauded the government.

 

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR FEDERAL CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED.

Call 412-456-1221 for a free consultation

PITTSBURGH FEDERAL CRIME LAWYERS

 

PENALTIES FOR FEDERAL TAX EVASION

As mentioned above, each tax related criminal charge carries its own penalty.

Penalties for tax evasion can include:

  • Attempting to evade or defeat tax: Up to 5 years in prison, payment of back taxes owed, a 75% fraud penalty on the corrected tax as well as the cost of prosecuting your case.
  • False or fraudulent statement: Up to 3 years in prison, fines of up to $25,000 for an individual or $500,000 for corporation and the cost of prosecuting your case.
  • Willful failure to file tax returns: Up to 1 year in prison, fines, and the cost of prosecuting your case.
  • Attempt to interfere with administration of IRS laws: Up to 3 years in prison, fines, and the cost of prosecuting your case.

In addition to jail time and financial hardship, having a federal crime on your record can destroy your credibility and reputation making it difficult to get or maintain employment in the future.

You also run the risk of being a target at the IRS for years to come. That means regular audits and constantly looking over your shoulder.

How Ketchel Law Can Help

We will stick with you from start to finish.

From the moment you engage Ketchel Law to represent you, we will work tirelessly to ensure every aspect of your defense is addressed at every phase. Tax law can be extremely complicated and dense. We will make certain you understand your rights and options so that you are prepared at every turn. From pre-trial hearings through the trial and beyond, we will fight to have your charges dropped or significantly reduced.

State and federal cases are vastly different. Facing tax evasion charges, it is likely that you may face charges in both courts. It is extremely important that you have a knowledgeable and experienced tax crime attorney that is well versed in both state and federal court. We understand what you are going through and will tirelessly fight on your behalf to ensure that your arrest has a minimal impact on every aspect of your life.

An aggressive and meticulous attorney will gather all evidence and facts about your case, presenting your history to make the best possible defense.

We will attempt to discredit evidence not in your favor and work closely with you to find the best course of action in defending your rights and your freedom.

Learn more about Ketchel Law:

CALL KETCHEL LAW NOW FOR A FREE LEGAL CONSULTATION AT 412-456-1221.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR CHARGES DISMISSED.

CALL KETCHEL LAW TODAY: 412-456-1221

FREE CONSULTATION