A Skilled Tax Fraud Defense Attorney When The IRS Accuses You Of Fraud
Navigating the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is challenging, especially during audits or criminal investigations. As a tax fraud defense attorney at the Law Office of James K. Champion, PLLC, I represent individuals and businesses facing serious allegations from the IRS Criminal Investigation Division.
My work as a lawyer involves fighting against tax crime charges and IRS criminal investigations throughout Kent County. Contact my Grand Rapids firm today for a confidential consultation to protect your rights and financial future.
Various Tax Fraud Allegations In Michigan
The IRS pursues people and businesses for several types of tax fraud cases. If you’re facing an investigation, understanding what you’re up against is the first step toward an effective defense:
- Filing false tax returns: Knowingly including incorrect information on returns
- Underreporting income: Failing to declare substantial sources of income
- FBAR violations: Not reporting foreign financial accounts
- Tax preparer fraud: Professionals who knowingly prepare fraudulent returns
- Payroll tax fraud: Withholding taxes from employees but not remitting to the IRS
- Tax evasion: Deliberately avoiding tax obligations through illegal means
With these crimes, the IRS must prove you deliberately attempted to defraud, not simply that you made an honest mistake. An aggressive tax fraud defense attorney can prove your actions were due to an innocent oversight, not deception.
The Difference Between Tax Avoidance And Willful Evasion Of Taxes
It’s common for individuals to seek ways to minimize their tax burden. However, confusing legal tax avoidance with illegal tax evasion can be dangerous. It’s very important to understand the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion. Tax avoidance is legal. It involves using legitimate strategies, such as claiming deductions or credits, to lower your tax obligations. Those who practice tax avoidance still pay taxes.
Tax evasion, on the other hand, is illegal. It’s taking deliberate steps to hide income or provide false information to avoid paying what you legally owe. The line between avoidance and evasion can sometimes blur, especially with complex tax codes and honest misinterpretations. A tax fraud defense attorney can help distinguish between genuine mistakes and fraudulent intent to fight against tax evasion charges.
What To Expect During IRS Fraud Investigations
IRS investigations are typically lengthy. If you’re facing an audit or investigation, proper audit defense is important. Take these important steps:
- Don’t panic, but don’t ignore the notice
- Stop communicating directly with the IRS
- Secure legal representation before responding
- Never provide false information or destroy financial records and documentation
I understand investigations can feel overwhelming. As your tax fraud defense attorney, I can resolve the matter with minimal consequences to your finances and freedom.
Facing Tax Fraud Allegations? Schedule A Free Tax Fraud Defense Consultation.
State and federal governments aggressively pursue tax fraud allegations. Address your case today. To get started, call 616-953-8499 or send me an email. I can assist during audits and criminal tax investigations.