Tax fraud, also known as tax evasion, occurs when an individual commits fraud in an effort to pay less taxes than they rightfully owe. This can be done in numerous ways such as creating false invoices, claiming deductions you cannot legally take, listing personal expenses as business deductions, failing to report valid income or accepting cash payments so as to have no documented record of income received, putting assets in another person's name, and more. These types of actions are considered to be fraud, both at the state and federal level. Considering the fact that the IRS reportedly indentified close to two million tax returns during 2011, and upwards of a million tax returns during 2010, that were potentially fraudulent, now that tax season is upon us, the IRS is gearing up to come down hard on anyone they suspect of committing tax fraud.
According to United States Code, Title 26, Section 7201, any person who willfully attempts in any manner to evade or defeat any tax imposed or the payment thereof shall, in addition to other penalties provided by law, be guilty of a felony, and upon conviction, shall be fined a maximum of $100,000, or imprisoned for a maximum of 5 years, or both, along with having to cover the costs of prosecution. Depending on the extent of the fraud, such as whether you simply failed to file a tax return or you made a decided effort to avoid paying taxes, will determine whether or not you will face misdemeanor or felony charges.
If you or a loved one are under IRS investigation for potential tax fraud, you are strongly advised to contact the Law Office of Michael Mirer, P.A. and consult with one of the firm's skilled criminal defense attorneys. Attorney Mirer is a successful state and federal crime attorney, who has also served as an Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade County. As facing federal fraud charges is a serious offense, you would be wise to have an experienced, albeit aggressive attorney on your side to represent your interests and protect your rights.
Contact the firm today in order to speak with a qualified Miami criminal defense lawyer about your tax fraud case.