IRS Criminal Tax Investigations
IRS Criminal Investigation Division
The IRS takes tax fraud and other types of tax-related crimes very seriously. The Criminal Investigation (CI) division of the IRS is devoted to investigating potential criminal violations of the Internal Revenue Code along with certain financial crimes including Bank Secrecy Act violations, money laundering and currency crimes. The CI investigators, known as special agents, are expertly trained financial investigators who conduct in-depth investigations into the activities of businesses and individuals to identify criminal activities that threaten the U.S. tax system. These crimes may include:
- General Tax Fraud
- International Tax Fraud
- Domestic and Foreign Abusive Tax Schemes
- Identify Theft Crimes/Identify Theft Refund Fraud Schemes
- Tax Return Preparer Fraud
- Questionable Refund Fraud
- Frivolous Filers/Non-Filers
- Employment Tax Fraud and Evasion
- Excise Tax Fraud
- Bankruptcy Fraud
- Corporate Fraud
- Healthcare Fraud
- Money Laundering & Bank Secrecy Act Violations
- Public Corruption
- Virtual Currency Crimes
- Cyber Crimes
- Narcotics-Related Financial Crimes
As the IRS has noted, in the United States tax law compliance relies heavily upon the taxpayer’s self-assessment of what taxes are owed to the government. When the government suspects that a business or individual taxpayer may have taken deliberate actions in violation of the tax laws, the taxpayer is likely to become the subject of a civil audit or a criminal investigation. Depending upon the findings and outcome of the audit/investigation, the taxpayer may be required to pay substantial fines and penalties and even serve significant jail time.
Guiding Clients through CI Investigations
When a taxpayer becomes the subject of an IRS criminal tax investigation, it is critical for the taxpayer to seek the advice and counsel of a strong tax law team. The attorneys at Thorn Law Group have decades of experience representing individuals and businesses who are under investigation by the CI division. Our firm defends individual taxpayers, small and mid-sized businesses, international companies, technology firms, partnerships, banks and other entities in Virginia and around the globe in complex criminal investigations. We appreciate the serious and sensitive nature of these investigations and work closely with our clients to develop strategies that protect their businesses and reputations while minimizing their exposure to monetary fines and other penalties.
Discuss Your Situation with Thorn Law Group Today
If you have been targeted by the IRS for a CI investigation, it is important to consult a Virginia criminal tax attorney as quickly as possible. A criminal conviction for a tax-related crime can carry harsh fines and penalties. For example, a single count of tax evasion can result in a fine of up to $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations along with a maximum prison sentence of five years.
Thorn Law Group is a leading tax law firm representing clients in national and international tax law matters. Our attorneys are well-recognized throughout the Virginia area and across the U.S. for our ability to provide skilled legal counsel in complex criminal and civil tax law matters. If you are involved in an IRS criminal investigation and would like to discuss your options with a tax attorney at our firm, contact our Virginia satellite offices at 703-752-3752 or email ket@thornlawgroup.com.
