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Tax Crimes | Lawyers for the Accused

Tax Crimes2023-01-10T16:07:49+00:00

Lawyer_Attorney_Accused_Criminal_Defense_NY

Tax Crimes | Lawyers & Attorneys

Tax offenses, like other types of white-collar crime typically involve non-violent, financially motivated decisions. Tax violations may involve any number of crimes including failing to file a tax return, falsifying information on a tax return, failing to report total income, selling untaxed goods, criminal tax fraud, schemes to defraud including material fraudulent representations, and hiding or misleading information on out-of-state transactions. If you are charged with a tax crime or are under investigation for a tax crime or fraud, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer who handles tax crimes immediately.

If you’re looking for one of the best lawyers in America, don’t hesitate to call LaMarche Safranko Law. Mr. Safranko along with everyone on his staff are highly professional and really has their clients best interests at heart. Mr. Safranko is more than a lawyer, he’s an individual that makes his clients feel as if they’re part of his family and that’s why I give him 10 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Crimes

Our criminal defense lawyers provide answers to some important questions below.

What are tax crimes and frauds?2020-11-02T18:18:37+00:00

Tax offenses, like other types of white-collar crime typically involve non-violent, financially motivated decisions. Tax violations may involve any number of crimes including failing to file a tax return, falsifying information on a tax return, failing to report total income, selling untaxed goods, criminal tax fraud, schemes to defraud including material fraudulent representations, and hiding or misleading information on out-of-state transactions. If you are charged with a tax crime or are under investigation for a tax crime or fraud, you should contact a criminal defense lawyer who handles tax crimes immediately.

Are tax cases handled differently in federal and state courts?2020-08-15T13:10:33+00:00

Yes. Although New York State and Federal prosecutions have similar components, federal matters focus on your federal tax consequences and liabilities while New York has jurisdiction only over your New York state tax return. It is possible that one of your returns was proper whereas the other was not. If both have alleged improper information, both the federal and state governments can file charges against you, and both may proceed in their own separate courts. Importantly, not all tax cases are necessarily criminal, and some can potentially be resolved without a criminal prosecution.  If you are contacted by the Internal Revenue Service or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, it is very important to contact an experienced Criminal Attorney who handles tax cases to help guide you through this difficult process.

What happens if I do not file tax returns?2020-08-15T13:10:08+00:00

In New York, you would likely be contacted by the Department of Taxation and Finance or Internal Revenue Service. It is uncommon for the state to immediately file criminal charges and seek seizure or garnishing of wages. In certain cases, New York law allows for the filing, or in relevant circumstances refiling, of past years’ tax returns. Ultimately the matter could end there, or perhaps there could be additional penalties owed. Regardless of whether there would be additional fees or fines, they are far preferable to defending the matter in criminal court.

When can I be charged with a tax crime?2020-08-15T13:09:47+00:00

Usually, tax crimes come in the form of intentionally acting in a way to avoid paying your taxes. This may include false information in your returns, under-reporting income, or not reporting any specific source of income. It also covers inflating legitimate deductions or falsifying one or more deductions completely. It is also a tax crime to assist someone in any of these scenarios – either in their filing or in creating false documents to cover for the fraud.  Finally, it is a crime to not file your tax returns for three consecutive years where there is a tax liability.

What can I expect if I receive a tax audit?2020-08-15T13:09:21+00:00

Being selected for a tax audit does not automatically mean the government intends to charge you criminally, or even that they have uncovered any wrongdoing. However, even minor, or innocent mistakes can cause problems when uncovered during an audit. Usually audits are done either through the mail, or in-person at your home or business. Mail audits are usually requested by the tax agency for certain documentation or other supporting material you have that correspond with your return. These tend to be less onerous than when the agency wishes to meet with you at your home or office to review this information in person. It is important to involve experienced Certified Public Accountants if you are audited. If you receive a subpoena requesting the production of documents, you should contact a criminal lawyer who handles tax cases immediately.

Should I hire an attorney if I am audited?2020-08-15T13:08:53+00:00

Possibly. Even if you do not believe you did anything improper, any mistake the audit uncovers could potentially result in serious consequences. Therefore, you should consult with a criminal lawyer who handles tax cases who can talk with you and provide advice and guidance. It is also important to work with an experienced Certified Public Accountant that has worked with audits and criminal cases.  Tax cases are serious and complex. Working with accountants and criminal defense lawyers who understand these types of cases will be beneficial for you.

Can I be charged criminally if my business files payroll taxes erroneously?2020-08-15T13:08:27+00:00

Yes.  Although an investigation may start as a civil inquiry, if any criminal conduct is identified you may be charged with a crime.  If you are convicted of a crime, you face monetary penalties in addition to incarceration and a criminal record.

If I am charged with a tax crime, can the matter be resolved without a criminal conviction?2020-08-15T13:07:44+00:00

Perhaps. In many instances, criminal investigations can resolve by reaching a negotiated settlement to avoid criminal prosecution.  If a settlement is reached, you can be ordered to stop performing a certain action or pay penalties, interest, and other monetary damages.

Can I go to jail or prison for a tax crime?2020-08-15T13:07:20+00:00

Yes. The prosecutor and the Judge will consider the seriousness of the tax evasion, the amount of money owed, your ability to repay the taxes, penalties, and interest and any other history you have. For these reasons, it is important to work with a criminal defense lawyer who handles tax prosecutions and an accountant as soon as you are contacted regarding any issues concerning your taxes.

What is the statute of limitations for a tax crime?2020-08-15T13:06:56+00:00

In New York, any felony, including tax crimes, has a statute of limitations of five (5) years. Federally, the statute of limitations is six (6) years. Usually, the time begins to run after the last criminal act took place, which in many cases may be the filing of the return itself.

I did not personally submit the false return; can I still be liable?2020-08-15T13:06:29+00:00

Yes. Aiding or assisting in a false tax return does not require being the last person to file it with the government. Others who may still be liable for improper returns include:

  • Corporate Officers
  • Corporate Tax Form Preparers
  • Tax Shelters
  • Promoters of not filing taxes
  • Supplier of false information
  • Your spouse
Can my spouse be held liable for what is in our joint tax return?2020-08-15T13:06:02+00:00

Yes.  Your spouse is deemed to know what is submitted on a tax return that is filed jointly.  However, if your spouse does not work with the finances or is not aware of any issues or problems with the return, your spouse may be able to claim innocence.  If this occurs, the spouse will not be held responsible criminally or be responsible for amounts that are owed to the Internal Revenue Service or the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance.

If I provide false information on my tax return, what can I be charged with criminally?2020-08-15T13:05:33+00:00

Criminal Tax fraud requires that you have committed a tax fraud act. Fraudulent acts are defined by New York Tax Law §1801 and include the following:

  1. Failing to make, render, sign, certify, or file a return.
  2. Knowingly submitting a return with materially false or fraudulent information or which omits material information.
  3. Knowingly supplying materially false or fraudulent information for a return,
  4. Engaging in any scheme to defraud any tax imposed.
  5. Failing to remit any tax collected.
  6. Failing to collect any tax required.
  7. Intentionally evading paying of a tax.
  8. Providing false information or omitting material information from documents submitted claiming taxes do not apply to a given transaction.
What is the penalty for tax evasion?2020-08-15T13:05:03+00:00

Criminal Tax fraud in the fifth degree is any tax fraud act, of any amount. It is an A misdemeanor, meaning you face up to 1 year in local jail, 3 years of probation, fines, and court fees, as well as restitution in the amount defrauded.

Criminal Tax fraud in the fourth degree is any tax fraud act amounting to over $3,000. It is an E felony, meaning you face up to 4 years in prison, 5 years of probation, fines, and court fees, as well as restitution in the amount defrauded.

Criminal Tax fraud in the third degree is any tax fraud act amounting to over $10,000. It is a D felony, meaning you face up to 7 years in prison, 5 years of probation, fines, and court fees, as well as restitution in the amount defrauded.

Criminal Tax fraud in the second degree is any tax fraud act amounting to over $50,000. It is a C felony, meaning you face up to 15 years in prison, 5 years of probation, fines, and court fees, as well as restitution in the amount defrauded.

Criminal Tax fraud in the first degree is any tax fraud act amounting to over $1,000,000. It is a B felony, meaning you face up to 25 years in prison, 5 years of probation, fines, and court fees, as well as restitution in the amount defrauded.

Also, Repeated Failure to File Personal Income Earnings Taxes is a crime in violation of New York Tax Law §1808. It is an E felony, meaning you face up to 4 years in prison, 5 years of probation, fines, and court fees, as well as restitution in the amount owed from the unfiled years.

What are the tax crimes I can face?2020-08-15T13:04:16+00:00

New York tax crimes are contained in the Tax Law, generally from §§1801 to 1809. The most common there are Criminal Tax Fraud in the fifth (§1802), fourth (§1803), third (§1804), second (§1805), and first (§1806) degrees.

It is also a crime to not file three (3) consecutive years of taxes (§1808).

Federal tax crimes are found at 26 USC §7201 which criminalizes actual or attempts to evade or defeat tax.

Timeline of a Criminal Defense Case

LaMarche Safranko Law Testimonials

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Vicki Testimonial Transcript
Well, I met George in 2014. My son was arrested for a criminal offense, and George—he has this ability, it’s just who he is. He’s genuinely empathetic and he’s very compassionate and he has the ability to just make you feel safe. You know? I just always felt I was in great hands and my son was in good hands and that we would have a good outcome of our situation and we always have. And he’s brilliant. He’s a brilliant lawyer. He’s very skilled and very creative. He has excellent rapport with all the judges and DAs and officials, and he’s always found a rehabilitative outcome for my son which I genuinely appreciate.

Laurie Testimonial Transcript
George was referred to me by my estate attorney. They go way back and it was a great referral, I don’t think I could have done any better, it was a very good match for me. Something that was really really instrumental in the whole thing was George keeping us up-to-date on what was going on and very much included. I was invited to be at all the depositions if I wanted to be and he gave me all the written depositions to read through, so I was always up-to-date on what was going on and I felt like a part of the process. I would definitely recommend George to other people. In fact, about 2 weeks ago I did. A friend of mine was in a pedestrian car accident, she was the pedestrian and is in pretty rough shape, and he was the first person I thought of so I actually asked him if it would be in his purview and he said yes. And I know that she’s very happy with him so far.

Jules Testimonial Transcript
What brought me to the firm was a personal incident where Andrew was recommended to me very highly by a family friend who’s also an attorney, and Andrew represented me to great satisfaction in that case. What impressed me the most about Andrew was his direct straightforward approach, and he has this incredible way of setting you at ease and yet telling you the good and the bad of a situation. I felt that he was very much a straight shooter and lived up to the reputation that preceded him. I would recommend them and Andrew Safranko to anybody in the world. They’re just that class of a group of people.

Chuck Testimonial Transcript
Well, I came to LaMarche Safranko Law because I knew Andy was here and he’s helped me in the past and I just feel so comfortable coming to him because you know you’re going to get the best outcome that you can get in a criminal law field. He’s done such a fabulous job for me and I’ve seen what he does for me, so I’m sure he’ll do the same—put out the same effort and energy and zeal it takes to win their case like he has mine. I would feel very comfortable recommending him.

“Dear George, Andy and Staff,

Thank you all for your kindness and all your help in getting back to my wellbeing and life.  I could not have done it without you all.  Everything is going so well again.  I recommend you highly. Thanks Again!”

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A client from Troy, NY

“Dear Andy,

Thank you so much for everything you have done for our son over the last three years.  This has been a very challenging time for our family and the knowledge that our son has an attorney as capable and amazing as you are has given us peace of mind!

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Parents of a client from Cropseyville, NY

“Dear Andrew and George,

I cannot thank you enough for your hard work, diligence, and selfless manner that you put towards my legal difficulties in Colonie. From the first moment I met you, you helped reassure me that things were going to turn out in a more favorable manner than I originally thought. Clearly, the final result of my court case displays the quality of time and work that you put into this….

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A client from Colonie, NY

“I am an attorney who found himself in the middle of a serious, personal legal matter that compromised not only my personal life but my professional life as well. I immediately contacted Andrew (Andy) Safranko, Esq. Andy worked tirelessly and extremely hard to bring my legal situation to a very favorable resolution. In so doing, Andy not only saved certain aspects of my personal and professional life

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Anonymous Attorney from Albany, NY

“Dear Mr. Safranko,

Thank You so much for answering my question, and so expediently!

The dedication, respect, and consideration with which you treat your clients, current and past, is remarkable. It is why I reached out to you when searching in my time of need, and why I would highly recommend…

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A client from Albany, NY

“The staff at LaMarche Safranko Law took care of  whatever I needed, it was just fabulous. It was top shelf, if I called, I got George. If he was in a meeting, they left him a message. He called me right back after the meeting. Everybody was very courteous and very nice there. If I left a voicemail, everybody got back to me quickly. The level of service  was very, very good and I would Highly recommend them.”

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A personal injury client from Cohoes, NY

“I can honestly say that the best decision I’ve ever made was retaining George LaMarche as my attorney. I was in a situation where everything wasat risk; my career, livelihood, and the ability to provide for my family. In desperation, I contacted over a dozen attorneys. The majority of the lawyers I spoke with promised results without seeing paperwork or knowing valuable facts….

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A client from Albany, NY

“The arrest of my husband in 2008 was an extremely difficult and emotional time for our family. The arrest turned our lives upside down. It was sudden and unexpected and had tragic emotional as well as financial consequences. I had no idea what to do under the circumstances….

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A client from Upstate New York

“No one likes to be in a bad situation, but if you need a lawyer George is your man. Not only does he point you in the right direction he offers good advice for your future. As much as we bring him business he does not encourage that next time anticipation….

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A client from Albany, NY

“I wanted to express my deepest appreciation to Mr. Andrew Safranko for the exceptional job he did in regards to my legal representation. Mr. Safranko displayed the utmost in professionalism and discretion during the entire court process, and took the time to explain each and every step….

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A client from Schenectady, NY

“I cannot thank George E. LaMarche lll and his team for the excellent legal work they provided for my son, and in extension, our entire family. His experience, knowledge of the law, networking ability and communication is second to none. In our case, our son was wrongly accused by a small town police officer and charged with 5 tickets…

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A client from Altamont, NY

“My family and I cannot thank George and his staff enough for all of the support and guidance they have given us over the past six months. Anyone who has ever suffered a personal injury knows how difficult they are to overcome, but I’m glad we had such an intelligent and hardworking attorney on our side so I could focus on my recovery rather than on the details of the case….

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A personal injury client from Waterford, NY

“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for your excellent representation on my recent matter. I have worked with lawyers, and in law firms much of my professional life, but I have never encountered the rare mix of skill, integrity and humanity in one individual—you….

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A client from Rensselaer, NY

“Throughout the attorney client relationship regarding my personal injury lawsuit, George and his staff continually exhibited tremendous amounts of legal knowledge, skill, and a vast amount of expert resources that ultimately resulted in a final judgment in my favor.  George was there every step of the way to explain where we stood and what to expect next and there was never a need to question his professional judgment…

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A client from Troy, NY
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