IRS Investigations Can Be Tricky; Let Guthrie PLLC, Help.

You may find the IRS on your front doorstep for many reasons. If they’re there, don’t speak with them until you have a lawyer present.

Attorney Dan C. Guthrie Jr. from Guthrie PLLC, can help you protect your rights and reputation when undergoing a criminal tax investigation by the IRS.

What To Do If The IRS Wants To Talk

Enforcement of criminal tax law is aggressive, so it’s crucial to know your rights if special agents from the IRS show up at your door. Here are things you should know:

• 1. Realize the obvious: Agents from the IRS’s Criminal Investigation Division (CID) are not investigating a mere civil matter. It’s a criminal case, and the agents are trying to imprison someone. Agents typically investigate matters that occurred years ago, so it’s easy to be honestly mistaken about what they’re questioning you about. Agents will, however, believe that you are lying if they have information that contradicts what you tell them.
• 2. Don’t answer any questions: Anything you say to the IRS could be used against you later in your investigation. If CID special agents contact you, decline to talk to them until you have an attorney present. And remember, any statements you make to your tax preparer aren’t confidential.
• 3. Don’t tell others about your situation: Much like what you say to your tax prepare, anything you say to friends, family members or other loved ones is not confidential. Suppose you say anything the government could view as inculpatory. In that case, the IRS could subpoena anyone to testify against you. The only privileged and confidential conversations are the ones you have with your legal team.
• 4. Get your tax records in your possession: Protecting yourself from the IRS includes always getting your records back from your tax preparer. If the government subpoenas those records from the tax preparer, they usually can’t assert privileges. However, they could assert privileges if all personal records are in your possession.

Knowing how to handle these interactions with the IRS is half the battle. Speak with Mr. Guthrie to learn more about what you can do to protect your record, your career and your reputation during an IRS investigation. Give him a call at 214-953-1000 to start on your defense today.

Tax Fraud Investigations Involve IRS Special Agents

A criminal tax case can begin with an audit. Initially, a revenue agent handles the investigation. Anything said during this audit process to the IRS can be used against you in a criminal case.

The IRS employs over 2,100 special agents dedicated to investigating tax fraud. These agents have a number of computer, accounting, surveillance and investigative resources at their disposal. They have the power to issue summons for financial information.

If you haven’t  received any prior letters from the IRS concerning one of your tax returns, the odds are very high that any agents who show up unannounced are IRS Special Agents. Realizing that these agents are not investigating a mere civil matter is crucial. Special agents only investigate criminal cases.

When questioned on the spot about things that occurred years ago, it’s easy to forget details and make honest mistakes in recounting what happened. However, agents usuallyn believe you are lying to them in that case. Remember that you do not have to answer any questions, and it is wise that you don’t until you have retained an attorney to determine the focus of the criminal investigation.

It is also vital to understand that any statements made to federal agents that the government believes are false can be a separate criminal charge. Politely tell agents you want an attorney present and do not proceed with the interview so that you can retain an white collar attorney experienced with criminal tax fraud charges to determine your best defensive strategy.

Don’t Fall Victim To The IRS – Reach Out Now.

Timing is everything when facing an IRS investigation. Don’t wait to start on your defense. Reach out to Mr. Guthrie today. Call 214-953-1000  or complete the firm’s online  contact form  to schedule an initial consultation.