Legal Ramifications of Not Paying Taxes

Criminal Tax Problems

For employees in the United States, it is illegal to not report income after a certain threshold has been reached. This is especially important for businesses.

Criminal Tax Issues and Audits

Audits tend to occur when there is a suspected tax crime. It is important to ensure a civil examination is accomplished with cooperation, a calm presence and peaceful actions. The revenue agent provided for the investigation should not be misled or lied to. With all information disclosed properly even after the examination initiates, a criminal investigation may not be the next process.

Failure to File a Tax Return and the Willfulness Element

When someone fails to file a tax return and is then charged with a crime of this nature, they often wonder why they were targeted for this crime. After all, there are criminals who have not filed tax returns for years because of their illegally-acquired funds. Often, the question comes down to the willful nature of the failure.

Failure to File Charges, Ignorance and Deliberate Ignorance

If a person fails to file his or her tax return when required to do so, he or she may face significant penalties based on a failure to file charge. Being aware of the defenses may help a defendant avoid the most serious consequences. However, defendants should also be aware of the limitations of these defenses.

Federal Tax Fraud Explained

What are My Options if I Can't Afford to Pay My Taxes?

Not being able to pay the full amount of taxes that are owed is a common issue for several persons in the United States. Paying taxes is difficult for individuals that work as independent contractors, freelancing and when they own a small business. However, there are options available to these persons that make paying taxes less difficult, and it is important to reach out when there are any problems in completing the task of paying federal or state taxes.

US Passport can be Revoked Because of Tax Debt

There are certain regulations and stipulations to the Internal Revenue Service with laws in the United States that may restrict travel or the ability to obtain a passport when taxes have not been paid. This usually involves tax debt that has been accruing or that has not been completely paid off for past taxes due.

What are my Options to Repay Unpaid Sales Tax Debt?

Unpaid taxes are potentially dangerous to the individual or company. It is imperative that one of several options is taken to ensure this tax debt has been paid, or the person or business could face severe consequences from the Internal Revenue Service.

What Happens If I Don't Pay Taxes for Several Years?

People may not pay taxes for a variety of reasons. They may think that they will not owe anything and the cost to prepare them will outweigh whatever small return they might receive. A recent divorce or death may make the process confusing. Someone may know that they will owe taxes and may try to avoid tax liability by simply not filing. Whatever the reason, the consequences for not filing taxes can be very serious.

IRS Voluntary Disclosures

The Internal Revenue Service provides a variety of voluntary disclosure options to help parties avoid possible criminal action if they come forward and report certain information. One such disclosure provision regards the Offshore Voluntary Disclosure Program.