Tax Crime Lawyers in Pennsylvania

What Happens When You Are Charged with Tax Fraud or Tax Evasion in PA?

As we all know, the U.S. tax system and tax laws can be confusing.

If you do not file certain required taxes or fail to file them correctly, you can find yourself in violation of tax laws. Tax crimes are taken very seriously in Pennsylvania—and can lead to both state and federal charges.

If you have been accused of an tax crime, it is best to speak with an experienced Pennsylvania Tax Fraud Attorney immediately.

Conviction in a tax crime can lead to jail time and exorbitant fines.

Being accused of a tax crime is not a conviction and you can, and should, fight your charges.

Our Federal Crime Attorneys in Pennsylvania are very successful in winning both state and federal cases. We fight Federal Criminal Charges for Tax Evasion.

Attorney Ketchel provides free case evaluations and can explain your rights and next steps for protecting your rights.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED.

Call 412-456-1221 for a free consultation

At Ketchel Law, we work hard to get your charged reduced or dismissed altogether.

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

Do not leave your rights and your freedom to chance. Hire an experienced attorney who is willing to protect you every step of the way.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A TAX EVASION CRIME?

Tax fraud or tax evasion can involve several actions, or inactions, on the part of the tax filer. Essentially, as most people know, you are required to file you taxes every year, and if you owe money to the government, you must pay. It is an unavoidable aspect of society. Allegedly failing to be honest in your taxes can be the cause for criminal consequences.

However, tax fraud involves intentional acts—not honest mistakes or a rare oversight. Some of the most common tax crimes include:

  • Tax Evasion;
  • Filing False Tax Returns;
  • Employment Tax Fraud;
  • Money Laundering.

Most tax crimes involve issues or incidents that have raised suspicion by the IRS. Some such issues include:

  • Failure to file a tax return;
  • Embellishing expenses on a tax return;
  • Filing a false tax return;
  • Omitting critical information from a tax return;
  • Reducing or Omitting income from a tax return.

In order to investigate, the IRS and/or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue only need to suspect that something is amiss. They may request further documentation, proof, or an interview. If, during this investigation, they find a crime occurred, they could turn the case over to prosecutors who will then conduct a full criminal investigation.

Tax evasion is one of the most common tax crimes. Essentially, a person intentionally engages in fraudulent behavior in order to reduce the amount of taxes owed. Documents can be manufactured, income can be omitted, false personal or business deductions can be made—or even some combination of all of these acts. Anything that you do to intentionally avoid paying your fair share of taxes is a crime. If you are doing your own taxes, it can be especially easy and tempting to omit income.

If you are under investigation, or have been charged with a tax crime, discuss your situation with a qualified and knowledgeable tax fraud attorney immediately.

OUR NUMBER ONE GOAL: GETTING YOUR CRIMINAL CHARGES DISMISSED.

Call 412-456-1221 for a free consultation

PENALTIES FOR TAX FRAUD AND TAX EVASION

As with most crimes, the punishment can vary significantly as the circumstances of each crime varies. However, one thing is certain: if convicted of a tax crime, the punishment is generally severe.

For smaller level tax crimes, you may get away with paying the correct amount owed plus penalties and interest accrued. For the more serious tax crimes, however, prosecutors will launch a full criminal investigation.

If you are convicted for a violation of federal tax laws, these are some of the applicable penalties you may face:

  • Tax Evasion: Up to 5 years in jail and fines of up to $250,000;
  • Filing a False Tax Return: Up to 3 years in jail and fines up to $250,000;
  • Failure to File a Tax Return: Up to 1 year in jail and fines up to $100,000.

In addition to these criminal penalties, individuals convicted of tax crimes may also face civil penalties as well. These civil penalties can include payment of an additional amount of up to 75% of the underpayment in taxes. These civil penalties can be financially crippling to both individuals and businesses.

HOW KETCHEL LAW CAN HELP

Any number of errors can occur in a yearly tax filing. To be found guilty of an tax crime, the government must prove that your actions were intentional. Let an experienced and dedicated criminal attorney help you defend your rights and protect your freedom.

You have guaranteed rights; we will make certain that your rights are protected. Justin J. Ketchel is a member of and certified by the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers affording him cutting edge information which addresses the most current and relative issues in the criminal defense arena.

At Ketchel Law, our number one goal is to have your case dismissed.

A strong defense that pursues every angle can make the difference between a guilty and not guilty verdict—the difference between your freedom and being locked up.

Call 412-456-1221 for a free consultation

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