Dallas Tax Fraud Attorney

If the Internal Revenue Service suspects that you have engaged in tax evasion or tax fraud, you could be facing criminal charges. A tax fraud conviction can result in property seizure, steep fines and incarceration in a federal prison. Even those who are later found to be innocent can suffer the incredibly damaging professional and financial consequences of being investigated for alleged tax crimes.

If you were charged with tax fraud or are currently under investigation for failing to file tax returns, proper legal representation is indispensable in helping you avoid potentially life-shattering penalties. Do not delay in contacting an experienced tax fraud attorney. The Dallas-based Law Office of Jeff King provides aggressive criminal defense to individuals who have been charged with tax fraud, or are mired in the beginning stages of tax controversy. Attorney Jeff King has 15 years of experience achieving favorable resolutions for clients charged with fraud offenses and white collar crimes in Texas.

What is Tax Fraud?

Tax fraud occurs when a business entity or an individual intentionally or willfully attempts to evade tax laws or defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Failing to submit returns, underreporting income or cheating on a tax return can all constitute tax fraud in the eyes of the IRS. Many criminal tax cases begin with individuals who cooperate fully in a preliminary civil tax audit, but without the skillful guidance of a tax fraud attorney. Historically, the IRS has claimed convictions in more than 80 percent of criminal tax fraud cases, which is why it’s imperative to seek legal counsel before an audit or investigation begins.

Examples of tax fraud include:

Claiming false exemptions or deductions on tax returns
Intentionally failing to file multiple tax returns
Falsifying the number of dependents
Submitting false or doctored documents to the IRS
Falsely claiming zero wages
Willfully failing to pay taxes owed to the IRS
Intentionally underreporting income earned
Claiming personal expenses as business expenses
Preparing and filing a false return

IRS auditors have extensive training and know how to differentiate between an honest mistake and tax fraud. If an auditor finds that you have cheated the government in some intentional manner, they could refer your tax case to the IRS’s criminal investigation (CI) unit.

If you know for a fact or even partially suspect that your accountant or tax preparer falsely claimed deductions, substantially understated earnings, or even exaggerated deductions, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer before the IRS comes knocking at your door.

Ready To Defend You

As a veteran tax fraud defense attorney, Jeff King is well-versed in the audit process, and can advise you on measures to protect your rights and minimize suspicion. Leveraging a thorough knowledge of complex tax laws, Jeff King can develop strong legal defenses in your case, deal with prosecutors, and advocate on your behalf at trial, if necessary.

When assessing the possibility of tax evasion or illegal activity, IRS agents look for “Badges” of fraud – patterns of behavior such as:

Concealment of bank accounts and other property
Keeping a second set of record-keeping books
Excessive dealings in cash
Submitting false receipts
Loans of trust funds veiled as deductions/purchases
Considerable yet unexplained increases in net worth over a short time span
Bank deposits from unknown sources that exceed reported income
Transferring or hiding income with relatives
Destroying records prematurely

Allegations of tax evasion and fraud are serious and a conviction comes with grim repercussions. If you are behind on your tax returns, made some careless mistakes, or are already facing criminal tax liability, your very future depends on hiring the right defense lawyer.

Penalties for Tax Fraud

The U.S. government can impose harsh punishments for tax fraud:

Tax evasion: Taxpayers who are found guilty of a felony may be punished with incarceration for up to 5 years, up to $250,000 in fines for individuals or $500,000 for corporations, or both, plus the cost of prosecution
Tax fraud/submitting false statements: Taxpayers who are found guilty of this felony crime are subject to imprisonment for up to 3 years, up to $250,000 in fines for individuals or $500,000 for corporations, or both penalties plus prosecution costs.
Willful failure to file a return, or pay taxes as required by law: If found guilty, this is a misdemeanor crime, punishable with up to a 1-year jail term, a fine of up to $100,000 for individuals or $200,000 for businesses, or both penalties plus prosecution costs.

“Competent and Compassionate”

I found Jeff to be a competent and compassionate advocate. As a client, he was the “voice” that I needed him to be to achieve a good result. He allowed me to communicate my needs to him and then diligently went to work to attain them. I would recommend him without hesitation.

- ReneeFraud client

“I was given a fair and positive outcome.”

With the type circumstance I had, it was not a hard case nor one that required a court visit or in front of a Judge but it did take some research and many hours of information gathering. I was given to the point, fair and accurate information by Jeffery King and he stuck with me through the whole ordeal. This was not only vital but very personable and I appreciated that to the fullest. I felt comfortable and positive through the entire situation and was given a fair and positive outcome. I thank Jeff King and his other staff that were involved for all they did.

- StevenGovernment contractor

“Prepared, Aggressive & Passionate about the Defense”

As the father of a recent active duty Air Force client of Mr. King’s, and being intimately involved day to day with the case, I can say without hesitation nor mental reservation, Jeff King is a consummate professional. Jeff was not only prepared, aggressive, and passionate about the defense, he also made the time to explain in detail every facet of the trial as it progressed. Having an attorney of Jeff’s caliber in our corner bestowed a feeling of confidence to our family, which was a critical factor in our ability to manage the stressfulness inherent to such serious allegations. Jeff prepared the entire family for every scenario, good and bad, and for that we are forever grateful. Upon receipt of the not guilty verdict and celebrating the obvious joy we felt that this “created adventure” had now come to an end, also came the realization that not only had he won this case, and with it our son’s continued freedom and innocence, but we had made a friend of the highest regard. Our family cannot thank Mr. King enough for his excellent representation on behalf of our son, but also for the lofty amount of integrity and humility demonstrated during the most trying time of our lives. Much respect and Semper Fi.

- BrentMilitary Client’s Father

“Jeff is the best!”

I thought my life was over when I was accused of a horrible crime at a general court-martial. From the moment I met Jeff, he instilled confidence in my case and showed a real enthusiasm for what he does. Be warned: Jeff will put you to work! He prepares for battle and expects you to contribute. He is confident in court and I enjoyed watching the jury respond to him. In the end, I was found NOT GUILTY to all charges! I am so grateful that I hired Jeff to defend me.

- Military Law Client

“Jeff sets the standard.”

Jeff was amazing! He handled my case through the end of the Article 32 hearing, and set the basis for my acquittal. If it had been any other IO than the one it was, I am certain it would have been dismissed right then, as all the objections he made in the Article 32 were later upheld by the Military Judge, and they been upheld at the Article 32 hearing, it would have been dismissed on the spot. His knowledge, and preparation made all the difference in my case, and his relentless pursuit of the truth showed through. He will always be my first recommendation to anyone who needs legal help.

- SPC C, US Army

Criminal Tax Fraud Defense in Dallas

Criminal penalties may be sidestepped altogether by retaining a qualified tax fraud lawyer at the early stages of an investigation or audit. Jeff King is distinguished for his comprehensive approach to white collar criminal defense in Texas, and has ample trial experience in state and district courts. To schedule a free, confidential consultation about a tax fraud case in the greater Dallas metro area, please contact the Law Office of Jeffery King.