Criminal Tax Cases

The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") Criminal Investigation Division ("CID") is responsible for investigating suspected federal tax crimes. The CID is able to employ the full range of investigative techniques, such as wiretaps, undercover operatives, confidential informants, and search warrants.

Criminal tax investigations are initiated for a variety of reasons. The criminal enforcement priorities at the IRS play an important role. For example, the IRS might be focusing on fraudulent Offer in Compromise submissions, offshore accounts, or tax return preparer cases, which will increase prosecutions in those areas. The Examination and Collection Divisions also refer cases for criminal investigation. The CID, moreover, opens investigations based on information that it receives from the taxpayer's former spouse, business partner, employee, or other individual that reports an alleged crime to the IRS.

The IRS CID is small compared to the IRS's civil enforcement divisions, and the government is keenly aware that it cannot bring criminal prosecutions against all taxpayers that underreport income or inflate deductions. Therefore, the CID seeks to bring cases that will generate substantial press coverage and, thus, encourage voluntary compliance by the taxpaying public as a whole.

By the time that the taxpayer becomes aware of the investigation, it has likely been ongoing for many months, if not years. Therefore, the taxpayer’s attorney must take immediate steps to close this gap with the government, such as gathering records, interviewing potential witnesses, and critically analyzing the operative facts. In addition to addressing the substance of the investigation, identifying factors that diminish the "jury appeal" of a case can be particularly helpful. Factors that might cause a juror to sympathize with the defendant at trial include the taxpayer's health, mental state, and age.

Procedurally, criminal tax investigations can be undertaken administratively, solely by the CID, or through a federal grand jury, which involves an Assistant U.S. Attorney. The procedural posture of the case impacts the opportunities the taxpayer's representative will have to meet with attorneys for the IRS, the Department of Justice, and the U.S. Attorney's Office prior to the taxpayer being formally charged with a crime. At these meetings, the government will consider any defense that the taxpayer may have to the proposed charges, technical or substantive weaknesses in the contemplated prosecution as identified by the taxpayer's representative, and other issues, such as the "jury appeal" of the case.

Taxpayers seeking to self-report prior tax violations can make a Voluntary Disclosure to the IRS. While making a Voluntary Disclosure is not a guaranteed shield to criminal prosecution, as a matter of policy, the government does not prosecute those making a Voluntary Disclosure meeting certain important requirements. A taxpayer's eligibility for this program must be carefully evaluated prior to contacting the IRS.

Our tax experience includes the following issues:

• Tax Evasion
• Willful Failure to File
• Structuring of Financial Transactions
• Obstruction of the IRS
• Unreported Income
• False Statements on Tax Return
• Tax Return Preparers
• Voluntary Disclosures
• Inflated Expenses/Deductions
• Tax Loss Calculations

**** Special Note: Please be aware Tax Network USA is not an agency of criminal attorney's nor are we to be construed as criminal attorney's. No where on our website does it claim that Tax Network USA is a company practicing criminal law. Should your case require the specialist in criminal tax law, it is recommended you seek legal advise from a criminal tax attorney well versed in these matters or we can refer you to a criminal attorney. Nevertheless, Tax Network USA, may prevent your tax case from impending criminal territory if you seek our tax help prior to the IRS submitting a recommendation to the department of the CID. For further questions and/or concerns on this matter, please contact us at 866-222-5771 or fill out our online form for further follow-up from Tax Network USA

You Have the Right to Tax Representation

If you have been contacted by the IRS or your state's Department of Taxation, or have received tax liens, levies or notices of IRS intention to do so, contact us at 888-466-4706 or fill out our online form without delay to discuss the details of your specific tax situation.