Decades Of Tax Fraud Legal Experience In St. Louis
Charges of tax fraud are not to be taken lightly. As residents of the U.S., we are all obligated to file a tax return every year to determine if we owe the government money based on our earnings. If you fail to properly file a tax return or are otherwise found in violation of tax law, you can be prosecuted for tax fraud that has serious consequences upon conviction.
At Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP, complex cases involving white collar crimes such as tax fraud are one of our firm’s main areas of focus. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our criminal defense attorneys take an aggressive, proactive approach to defending our clients’ rights.
What Constitutes A Violation Of Tax Law?
People in St. Louis may be charged with tax law violations if the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Missouri Department of Revenue (DOR) believes that any of the following has occurred:
- Claiming personal expenses as business expenses
- Claiming false deductions
- Exaggerating the amount of deductions
- Dealing all in cash
- Concealing assets
- Failing to file tax returns
- Reporting income inaccurately
- Entering false amounts into the books
- Keeping two sets of books
What Are The Penalties For Tax Fraud In Missouri?
If the IRS suspects you of tax fraud, it may impose a civil tax fraud penalty of up to 75% of the total amount, including interest, owed for taxes. In addition to the penalty, the IRS may also send your case to its criminal investigation unit to determine if criminal charges should be filed against you.
Criminal penalties for tax fraud can potentially include up to $500,000 in fines and up to 5 years imprisonment. For anyone facing tax fraud charges in St. Louis, Missouri, it is crucial to be represented by a skilled defense attorney with experience in tax law matters.
Defense Against State Or Federal Tax Fraud Charges In St. Louis
The IRS and the DOR are both government entities that can strike fear in the hearts of citizens. State and federal tax codes are overly complicated, which can make it difficult to maintain compliance. Therefore, this leads to legal trouble with these tax agencies.
Accountants and professionals who prepare taxes for others devote their careers to understanding the intricacies of complex tax codes and how to apply them to the realities of business and to the lives of individuals. Sometimes, even the best efforts toward compliance can raise suspicions or appear to fail in the eyes of the IRS or DOR.
Tax fraud cases often involve extensive evidence and may depend ultimately on the ability to present the most compelling defense. If you have been accused of tax fraud, tax evasion or another tax-related crime, you don’t have to face this urgent matter alone. Our seasoned tax fraud defense attorneys at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante LLP have the skills and experience to help you navigate the tax regulation labyrinth and ensure that your rights are protected. Call (314) 354-8484 today or contact us online to set up your free consultation.