A: Depending on the monetary value attached to your alleged crime of federal tax evasion, the penalties can vary. However, you can expect to pay significant fees and may face time in federal prison. Depending on the severity of the crime and the amount of money involved, these crimes can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony, with a felony carrying more severe charges.
Texas Federal Criminal Tax Lawyer
If you find yourself accused of federal tax crimes in the state of Texas, you need to take these charges seriously. The federal government will investigate these alleged offenses with incredible vigor, and you cannot afford to wait when it comes to hiring legal representation. If you believe you, as an individual or as a business owner, are under investigation for tax fraud, evasion or a failure to pay tax, the support and guidance of a Texas federal criminal tax lawyer can prove to be essential.
At the law office of David Coffin PLLC, we have over 20 years of experience practicing federal tax controversy law and are ready to put that experience and our vast knowledge of these cases to work for you, whatever the criminal investigation. We understand how terrifying and overwhelming it may feel to challenge the government agency of the IRS, and we will come alongside you to guide you through every step of this complicated process.
Facing IRS Challenges? Get the Representation You Deserve!
Common Causes for a Federal Criminal Tax Investigations
When you are faced with a federal tax crime investigation, it is vital that you understand the nature of your criminal exposure. Determining the cause of the initial investigation can help you understand the full scope of the charges being brought against you. David Coffin PLLC will assist in assessing the risk you might face, and help you plan, build, and implement a defense strategy that can be personally tailored to fit the unique needs of your circumstances.
Some common reasons why a criminal tax investigation might be triggered by the IRS’s criminal investigation agents include the following:
- You underwent a recent federal tax audit which has allegedly uncovered evidence of criminal tax fraud by you, your employees, or your business.
- There was a referral to investigate you that came from another agency of federal law enforcement.
- There was a tip that came from an internal or external whistleblower that you, as an individual or business, were allegedly committing tax fraud.
- There was certain information that was publicly disclosed via news media, social media, or any company filings.
In order to determine the cause of the event which triggered this investigation, your attorney from David Coffin PLLC can gather and review the relevant evidence in your case. This can typically include talking with the investigators, conducting an internal review, conducting interviews with third parties, and negotiating with the IRS criminal investigation division. Once we have a firm understanding of why you are being investigated, we can begin to build and implement a comprehensive defense for you.
David Coffin PLLC: Defending You in Cases of Federal Criminal Tax Charges
When you retain the services of the tax attorneys at David Coffin PLLC, you can rest assured knowing you have done the right thing to achieve a potentially successful outcome in your case. While an attorney is not required by state or federal law to represent you in these circumstances, having counsel and representation on your side while facing federal tax crime charges can offer you the greatest chance at mitigating any potential harm done to you, your family or your business.
Our services cover a wide array of tax crime-related charges, and you can expect us to be there for you to answer any questions you might have and to offer sound and honest counsel and strategic defense when it comes to any negotiations or criminal litigation that may arise in your case. The charges we commonly represent and defend include the following:
- A failure to file federal returns
- The failure to pay any outstanding federal tax debts
- The misrepresentation of your income
- Hiding assets
- Misrepresenting any personal or business assets
- Failing to remit payroll taxes to the IRS
- Filing falsified tax returns
- Taking part in abusive tax schemes or shelters
- Underpaying your tax liability
- Fraudulent claiming of refunds
- Making false statements to any investigating federal agents
- Assisting in any preparation of false tax returns or participating in a conspiracy for tax fraud
If you find that you are facing any of these or other federal tax charges, the skilled team at David Coffin PLLC is here to help. We understand that these are delicate matters and that your professional and personal reputation are at stake. For this reason, we ensure that these matters are handled in as private a manner as possible.
During the investigation of certain criminal tax charges, other alleged crimes may be uncovered. These can include several white-collar crimes, such as:
- Embezzlement
- Wire fraud
- Money laundering
- Bribery
- Irregularities in bookkeeping
If you find yourself investigated or charged with any of these tax crimes, you need the sound counsel and representation of a federal tax controversy attorney who understands the full spectrum of the charges brought against you. At the office of David Coffin PLLC, we can help, no matter what federal tax crimes you have allegedly committed, whether with intention or not.
Penalties for Federal Criminal Tax Charges in Texas
When an individual or business is successfully convicted of federal tax fraud or other related crimes in the state of Texas, and at the federal level, extreme penalties or restitution may be given. The nature of these penalties will depend on the exact nature of the fraud committed, the amount of money involved, and whether or not the crime was charged as a felony or misdemeanor. The most common penalties for tax crime charges include:
- Fines: Individuals or corporations who are found guilty of tax crimes can face significant fines, which can cause them substantial financial hardship, depending on the severity of their actions and the amount of money which was involved in their alleged crime.
- Prison Sentence: When an individual or business takes part in alleged tax fraud, this can lead to substantial prison sentences. You could face a lengthy period behind bars for such things as federal tax evasion or the filing of fraudulent tax returns.
- Restitution Payments: When successfully convicted of these crimes, the courts will often order these individuals or corporations to pay back the full amount of their unpaid taxes and any applicable interest as restitution to the federal or state government.
- Probation: In some cases, individuals successfully convicted of tax crimes can receive probation instead of or in addition to their prison sentence. This will require these individuals to follow strict guidelines, such as regular reporting and possible community service.
- Seizure of Assets: In cases of a successful tax crime conviction, the government may seize your assets, such as property, bank accounts, or any business interests, in order to recover your unpaid taxes.
These punishments can be devastating and life-altering, not to mention the fact that they can tarnish your personal and professional reputation. They will also negatively impact your family, personal financial security, that of your business, and your personal rights and freedoms.
For these reasons, it is crucial that you hire an attorney who can launch a strong legal defense to mitigate these consequences and resulting damages, and protect your future.
Common Defenses for Tax Crime Charges
When a defense is launched against tax crime charges, you need an attorney who has a comprehensive understanding and knowledge of federal tax laws. When you work with the attorneys at the office of David Coffin PLLC, you can rest assured knowing our attorneys will explore every avenue of strategic defense based on the circumstances of your case. Some of the most common defenses we can use against tax crime charges include:
- Lack of Intent: When federal tax crime charges are prosecuted, the Government must prove that the alleged offender willfully attempted to defraud the government. Your attorney may be able argue that there is no evidence of intentional wrongdoing on your part and, in fact, what occurred was an honest mistake or misunderstanding of the applicable tax laws.
- Clerical Errors: The reality is that tax returns are complex and mistakes are not uncommon. A simple error when reporting income or making deductions does not necessarily mean fraud occurred. Your attorney may be able to demonstrate that the supposed issue was actually due to negligence rather than criminal intent.
- Statute of Limitations: When tax fraud charges are brought against an individual or corporation, the government has a specific time frame to take this action. Your attorney may be able to prove that the time has passed for the Government to bring tax charges.
- Insufficient Evidence: When tax crime charges are brought, the prosecution will be tasked with proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If the evidence gathered is poor or insufficient, your attorney may be able to challenge its legitimacy and also the validity of the charge and try to get them dismissed.
- Coercion or Duress: Your case may have a valid defense of duress or coercion should you have been forced to commit the alleged tax fraud due to threats or pressure from another individual, corporation, or party.
When you work with the seasoned tax controversy attorneys at David Coffin PLLC, we can review the details of your criminal tax charge and determine the right course of legal action when it comes to your defense. There may be several possible defenses depending on the details of your circumstances. We are committed to offering a comprehensive investigation into every aspect of your case to protect your rights and your future.
FAQs
Speak with a Trusted Texas Criminal Federal Tax Lawyer Today
If you have been charged or are being investigated with a federal tax crime in Texas, you need the full-service counsel and representation of an attorney from David Coffin PLLC. We have both the experience and knowledge necessary to defend these charges. At our firm, we understand how serious these crimes are and will do everything in our power to protect your rights, freedoms, and future. Contact our office today to learn more.
Get Help Now: Call A Trusted Tax Attorney Serving Texas
Flexible scheduling and payment plans are available. To arrange to meet with an
experienced tax lawyer, send an email using the online form
Copyright © 2025 David Coffin PLLC . All Rights Reserved.
Digital Marketing By:
ES