Dallas Tax Crimes Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Tax Crimes in Dallas County 

Tax offenses (tax fraud) are taken extremely seriously by the federal government. If you believe you are under investigation for tax fraud or someone you care about has been arrested for a tax crime, contact the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, immediately for a confidential consultation. Our Dallas tax crime lawyers are prepared to put 30+ years of experience, including experience in federal prosecution, to work for you. Our criminal defense attorneys aim to secure favorable outcomes for all our clients while ensuring their rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Call the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC today at (214) 238-9392 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our tax crimes attorney in Dallas!

Examples of Tax Fraud

Tax fraud takes many forms. In the most general sense, it involves an attempt to defraud or the actual defrauding of the state or federal government. Both individuals and businesses can be charged with tax fraud, and the penalties for such offenses vary depending on the unique factors and circumstances involved.

Some examples of relatively common tax fraud charges include:

• Failure to file state/federal income tax returns
• Failure to pay state or federal tax debts
• Fraudulent tax deduction/tax credit claims
• Willfully lowering tax liability
• Misrepresentation of income (including under-reporting and omitting certain income)
• Hiding assets
• Misrepresentation of personal/business assets
• Failure to report true income
• Failure to remit payroll taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS)

This is not an exhaustive list. Many other forms of tax fraud exist, all of which can result in serious consequences for convicted individuals.

Penalties for Tax Fraud in Texas

Individuals and businesses convicted of tax fraud in Texas can face severe penalties under state and federal law. The specific penalties depend on the nature of the fraud, the amount of money involved, and whether the crime is charged as a misdemeanor or felony. Common penalties for tax fraud in Texas include:

• Fines: Those found guilty of tax fraud may face substantial financial penalties, ranging from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the fraudulent actions.
• Prison Time: Tax fraud can lead to significant prison sentences. For instance, federal tax evasion is punishable by up to five years in federal prison, while filing fraudulent tax returns can result in up to three years of imprisonment.
• Restitution: Courts often order convicted individuals to pay back the full amount of unpaid taxes and interest as restitution to the government.
• Probation: In some cases, offenders may receive probation instead of or in addition to jail time, requiring them to adhere to strict conditions, such as regular reporting and community service.
• Asset Seizure: The government may seize assets, such as bank accounts, property, or business interests, to recover unpaid taxes and penalties.

These penalties can be devastating, impacting your financial stability and personal freedom. A strong legal defense is critical to minimize these consequences and protect your future. The Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, is here to help you navigate these severe charges and build a solid defense.

Defense Against Tax Fraud Charges

Defending against tax fraud charges requires a comprehensive understanding of federal and state tax laws. At the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, our experienced attorneys explore various defense strategies based on the specifics of each case. Some common defenses against tax fraud charges include:

• Lack of Intent: Tax fraud requires proof that the defendant willfully attempted to defraud the government. This can be a strong defense if there is no evidence of intentional wrongdoing but rather an honest mistake or misunderstanding of tax laws.
• Insufficient Evidence: The prosecution is tasked with proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence against you is insufficient or poorly substantiated, we can challenge the legitimacy of the charges and aim to have them dismissed.
• Clerical Errors: Tax returns are complex, and mistakes are not uncommon. Simple errors in reporting income or deductions do not necessarily constitute fraud. Demonstrating that the issue was due to negligence rather than intent can result in a more favorable outcome.
• Statute of Limitations: The government has a limited timeframe within which to bring tax fraud charges. In some cases, if too much time has passed since the alleged offense, charges may be dismissed under the statute of limitations.
• Duress or Coercion: This may be a valid defense if the defendant was forced to commit tax fraud due to threats or pressure from another party.

These are just some defenses that may be available depending on your unique situation. The attorneys at the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, are committed to thoroughly investigating every aspect of your case and fighting to protect your rights at each stage of the legal process.

Contact Our Dallas Tax Crimes Attorney Today 

It is important to note that making tax mistakes is not a crime. While the IRS may fine you for negligent and unintentional mistakes, the prosecution must prove intent to commit tax fraud for a conviction.

At the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, we know how to fight against serious tax crime charges. Our tax crimes lawyers in Dallas have handled thousands of cases and have successfully helped thousands of clients obtain case dismissals and not-guilty verdicts.

Contact the Law Office of Patrick J. McLain, PLLC, today to schedule a meeting with our tax crimes lawyer in Dallas!