Miami Tax Fraud Lawyer
United States tax laws require that individuals file accurate returns and satisfy their tax obligations. Willfully failing to do either can result in criminal charges typically brought by the federal government. Various acts can be considered tax fraud. If a prosecutor can prove beyond a reasonable doubt that one or more tax laws were violated, the defendant faces years of imprisonment and/or thousands of dollars in fines. If you are under investigation for or have been accused of evading taxes or not filing a return, it is imperative that you retain legal representation as soon as possible. The federal government spends a significant amount of time building cases against the accused. Hiring an attorney early gives them time to develop a counterattack.
I am ready to provide the aggressive defense you need. I am attorney JONATHAN B. BLECHER, and I have over 30 years of legal experience, including time spent as a former prosecutor. Throughout my years of practice, I have handled thousands of criminal cases, helping individuals of all walks of life fight their charges. As a Miami tax fraud attorney, I am aware of the complexities of these matters and am prepared to dive deep into your case to uncover the truth. I will examine and analyze every document and other relevant pieces of evidence to tailor a defense strategy just for you. I am dedicated to protecting the rights of the accused and seeking favorable results for my clients.
Learn more about how I can help by calling me at 305-321-3237 or contacting me online today.
Federal Tax Evasion Law
The elements of tax evasion are enumerated in 26 U.S.C. § 7201. The statute provides that a person commits an offense when they willfully evade tax assessment or tax payments.
Evading tax assessment means that someone voluntarily or intentionally took some action that resulted in a lower tax obligation being applied.
Types of conduct constituting tax evasion include, but are not limited to:
- Omitting income on a tax return
- Claiming false deductions
- Maintaining multiple sets of books
- Destroying transaction records
Evading tax payments means that a person has a certain amount of tax due, but they falsely claim that they cannot satisfy it because they lack the funds.
Examples of activities constituting evasion of a tax assessment include, but are not limited to:
- Keeping bank accounts in others’ names
- Making only cash transactions
- Concealing property or other assets
- Engaging in bankruptcy fraud
Note that tax evasion is not the same as tax avoidance. As mentioned earlier, the former occurs when a person uses illegal means to evade their tax obligations. In contrast, the latter is committed when someone uses legal methods outlined in the Tax Code, such as taking all applicable deductions. Thus, engaging in tax evasion may result in criminal charges, whereas engaging in tax avoidance will not.
If the accused is convicted of tax evasion, they can be penalized as follows:
- Up to 5 years of imprisonment and/or
- Up to $100,000 in fines (for an individual) or up to $500,000 in fines (for a corporation)
I understand that U.S. tax laws can be confusing, and sometimes charges can arise when a person did not mean to commit an offense. Whatever your situation, I will aggressively defend you.
Failing To File A Tax Return Law
Another type of tax fraud a person can be charged with is failing to file a tax return. The law requires that individuals timely submit a statement of their income, expenses, and deductions. If a person does not, and their conduct is willful, they may be prosecuted under 26 U.S.C. § 7203.
A conviction for this offense can result in:
- Up to 1 year of imprisonment and/or
- Up to $25,000 in fines
If you have been accused of intentionally not filing a return, speak with a Miami tax fraud lawyer immediately. I will discuss your legal options and defenses that may be raised to cast doubt on the prosecutor’s case.
Federal Fraudulent Returns Law
Under 26 U.S.C. § 7207, a person commits an offense when they willfully file a return, knowing that any material information is false.
The penalties for this crime include:
- Up to 1 year of imprisonment and/or
- Up to $10,000 in fines
Trust Your Case To An Experienced Tax Fraud Attorney In Miami
Because tax fraud cases are so nuanced and they often involve multiple charges, you need a lawyer on your side to help navigate the process. I am intimately familiar with criminal law and can thoroughly assess the facts of your case. By reviewing the evidence and hearing your side of the story, I can determine a course of action and work toward an optimal outcome for you.
To schedule a free case evaluation with a Miami tax fraud lawyer, contact me at 305-321-3237.
