Milwaukee Tax Evasion Attorney

Don't Let Tax Evasion Charges Ruin Your Life

There are a variety of offenses that are grouped under the general category of white collar crimes. These offenses are usually of a financial nature, and they may involve different forms of fraud, as well as identity theft or other computer or internet crimes. In some cases, these offenses may also result in charges related to tax evasion. Even though the non-payment of taxes may seem to be a relatively minor matter when compared to other criminal charges, it can be a very serious matter that may result in large fines or even jail time. If you or someone you know has been charged with tax evasion, it is important to seek legal counsel from an experienced attorney who understands the relationship between tax laws and criminal cases.

The criminal defense lawyers of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP can provide invaluable assistance in cases involving accusations of tax fraud or tax evasion. With our knowledge of state and federal criminal laws and our experience representing clients who have been accused of white collar crimes, we can ensure that your rights are protected throughout your case, and we can work to minimize any potential penalties you may face. With our help, you have a much better chance of achieving a positive outcome to your case.

Activities That May Lead to Tax Evasion Accusations in Wisconsin

Tax evasion cases will usually be prosecuted by the IRS. A person may face charges if a tax audit uncovers illegal activity or finds that they failed to meet their legal requirements for reporting information to the IRS and paying taxes that are owed. However, other agencies may also refer cases to the IRS if they find information that may indicate that a person committed tax fraud. For example, when investigating suspected drug crimes, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) may review a person's financial records, and if the person is suspected of failing to report income, the IRS may be notified. The IRS may then investigate further to determine whether the person has not complied with tax laws, and if it finds that the person willfully violated their legal requirements, it may choose to pursue criminal prosecution.

There are a number of different activities that could potentially result in tax evasion charges, including:

• Failing to report income - All sources of income must be reported to the IRS and included on a person's annual tax returns. Some people may willfully conceal sources of income in an attempt to avoid paying taxes, or they may neglect to report income because they do not fully understand their requirements. Criminal tax evasion charges will usually be related to purposeful concealment of income rather than mistakes made on a tax return or a misunderstanding of the applicable requirements.
• Concealing financial accounts or other assets - A person may be accused of attempting to hide assets in offshore accounts or other locations where they cannot be easily identified. This may lead to tax evasion charges if the person is accused of intentionally attempting to avoid their legal requirements. Converting money into assets that are difficult to trace, such as cryptocurrency, may also lead to tax evasion charges if this is allegedly done in an attempt to avoid paying taxes or reporting income or assets to the IRS.
• Participating in tax avoidance schemes - Taxpayers may be accused of engaging in transactions that are designed to reduce their taxable income without actually lowering the income they receive. Tax evasion charges may also address attempts to claim improper tax deductions, such as by stating that personal purchases were business expenses.

If the IRS determines that criminal tax evasion has occurred, it may assess a penalty of 75 percent of the total taxes owed by a taxpayer. If it chooses to pursue criminal prosecution, and a person is convicted of tax evasion, the taxpayer may be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined up to $100,000. Other forms of tax fraud, including making false statements to the IRS, assisting someone else in filing fraudulent tax returns, or concealing assets for the purpose of preventing the collection of taxes that are owed, may also lead to criminal charges, and a conviction may result in a sentence of up to three years and a maximum $100,000 fine.

Contact Our Milwaukee, WI Tax Evasion Defense Attorneys

Tax evasion is a serious offense that can result in significant financial and criminal penalties. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP can provide valuable assistance in cases involving allegations of tax evasion in Wisconsin. Our knowledgeable team has extensive experience representing clients who have been accused of white collar crimes, and we can help you determine the best options for defense in these situations. Contact our office at 414-271-1440 to arrange a consultation and get the legal help you need.