Many people are found guilty of tax fraud or tax evasion by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) each year in this country. However, many others are also wrongfully subjected to extensive investigations by the IRS due to that organization’s over-zealousness concerning tax fraud suspicions. At Okabe & Haushalter, our qualified and experienced team is here to help if you need a Chicago tax fraud attorney. The results of these investigations and charges can be serious, including prison time and significant fines, so let us get to work helping you through this.
Preventing allegations before they arise
The IRS may be alerted to any irregularities on your tax returns or a failure to file your returns at all. When this happens, it will likely trigger the audit process and could lead IRS officials to suspect that you made more than just a simple mistake or forgot to file for taxes. It is important to understand that the IRS is a federal agency with complete investigative authority and law enforcement powers. If they believe that your actions were conducted with the intent of wrongfully avoiding paying your tax liability, serious charges could apply.
Some of the factors that lead to suspicions of tax fraud in Chicago include the following:
- Not having records to support information on your returns
- Substantial cash transactions
- Failure to file multiple returns
- Overstating your expenses or deductions
- Significantly under-reporting income
- Giving inconsistent information to the IRS during an audit
If special agents with the IRS become suspicious of you or your behavior during an audit, they could refer your case to federal prosecutors who may conduct a tax fraud investigation.
It is crucial that you seek assistance from a Chicago IRS defense attorney who understands the audit process and can advise you on the proper steps to take moving forward. Defending against tax fraud requires resources and particular legal expertise in this area of law. This is considered a white-collar crime that is taken very seriously by government officials. That is why you need to take this seriously as well.
At Okabe & Haushalter, our Chicago tax fraud attorneys will get started on your case immediately by reading any correspondence between you and the IRS to ensure we understand exactly what is going on. Our team will help you gather all necessary tax records and income records. In criminal investigations, the IRS will typically look back as far as six years into your history, and our goal is to be as thorough as their agents when preparing your defense.
Call our tax fraud lawyers in Chicago today
If you or somebody you care about has been arrested or under investigation for tax fraud, seek legal assistance as soon as possible. Even if you have only been notified that an audit will be conducted, you need to seek legal help. At Okabe & Haushalter, we pledge to use our resources to investigate the entirety of your case. Our goal is to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed, and we will use our years of tax fraud investigation experience on your behalf. When you need a Chicago tax fraud attorney, you can contact us today by clicking here or calling 312-767-3869 for a free consultation.