IRS Criminal Investigation

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Why Am I Under IRS Criminal Investigation?

You may find yourself under IRS criminal investigation if the agency suspects willful tax evasion, such as deliberately underreporting income, overstating deductions, or hiding assets. Other triggers include failure to file returns, involvement in fraudulent tax schemes, or suspected money laundering tied to tax violations. These investigations are serious, often involving the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, and can lead to severe penalties or even prison if not handled properly.

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IRS Investigation Defense Services That Deliver Real Results

Our tax attorneys thoroughly analyze your financial records and IRS allegations, building defenses around tax code violations or procedural errors to maximize your chances of success. We handle all communication with the IRS, including interviews and document submissions, so you never face agents alone or risk self-incrimination. With a proactive approach, we work to resolve concerns early, stop cases from escalating, and provide compliance solutions to reduce risks.

If charges move forward, we negotiate plea agreements or structured settlements to minimize penalties and prison exposure. J. David Tax Law has defended countless clients in criminal tax investigations, helping them avoid asset seizures, imprisonment, and other severe consequences.

Signs You Are Under IRS Criminal Investigation

Summons for Records or Testimony

If you receive an IRS summons demanding financial documents or requiring you to appear for questioning, it’s a clear sign the case is moving beyond routine review. These requests often mean the IRS is gathering evidence for potential prosecution.

The IRS may interview your bank, employer, or business associates to verify your financial activity. When outsiders start getting questions about your taxes, it usually indicates a criminal investigation is underway.

If you are notified that your case has been referred to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division, the matter has become serious. This specialized unit handles potential fraud, evasion, and other criminal tax violations.

Repeated requests for detailed records, surprise interviews, or unusual scrutiny of prior years’ returns suggest the IRS suspects willful misconduct. These actions go beyond standard audits and point toward possible criminal charges.

When the IRS forwards a case to the DOJ, it signals their belief that sufficient evidence exists for prosecution. At this stage, swift legal defense is critical to minimize penalties and avoid prison time.

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Free Tax Consultation

This is your chance to ask questions and understand how we can help resolve your IRS tax fraud issues without any upfront commitment.

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Case Evaluation

We identify errors or discrepancies that triggered the investigation and pinpoint weaknesses in the IRS’s case.

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IRS Negotiation

Whether disputing charges or negotiating settlements, we focus on protecting your rights and minimizing penalties or IRS criminal charges.

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Tax Resolution

Our goal is to protect your financial future while ensuring the case is closed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Free IRS Tax Consultation

Free Tax Consultation

This is your chance to ask questions and understand how we can help resolve your IRS tax fraud issues without any upfront commitment.

Free Tax Relief Consultation
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Case Evaluation

We identify errors or discrepancies that triggered the investigation and pinpoint weaknesses in the IRS’s case.

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IRS Negotiation

Whether disputing charges or negotiating settlements, we focus on protecting your rights and minimizing penalties or IRS criminal charges.

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Financial freedom with tax attorney guidance
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Tax Resolution

Our goal is to protect your financial future while ensuring the case is closed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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Our legal team prepares and submits the necessary forms and financial disclosures to the IRS, ensuring every detail is presented in a way that maximizes your chances of a favorable settlement.

Why Trust Our Tax Evasion Lawyers for IRS Problems?

When you’re facing the IRS, choosing the right legal team can make the difference between severe penalties and a favorable resolution. Here’s why taxpayers across the country trust J. David Tax Law to handle even the most serious tax evasion cases:

We’ve defended thousands of clients facing IRS criminal investigations, successfully reducing penalties, preventing asset seizures, and helping many avoid prison. Our results reflect years of experience handling the most complex tax cases.

Our attorneys understand the nuances of IRS criminal procedures and know how to identify weaknesses in the government’s case. This insight allows us to craft strong defenses that protect both your finances and freedom.

We actively engage in direct negotiations with the IRS to settle cases before trial whenever possible. By anticipating IRS tactics, we position you for the best possible resolution.

With national recognition, A+ BBB accreditation, and hundreds of 5-star reviews, our firm has earned the confidence of clients across the country. Our reputation is built on consistent results and ethical representation.

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Most Common IRS Criminal Charges

There are multiple different reasons for the IRS or state tax authorities to pursue taxpayers. Whether it is tax fraud or tax evasion J. David Tax Law can be your legal representation giving you the best chance at a successful outcome.

Tax Fraud

Tax fraud involves intentionally deceiving the IRS through actions like underreporting income, claiming false deductions, or falsifying documents. It is prosecuted as a felony by the IRS Criminal Investigation team and can lead to heavy fines and prison. Our attorneys provide strategic defense to reduce or eliminate charges by challenging evidence and protecting your rights.

claiming false deductions, or creating misleading documents. The IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) team treats tax fraud as a felony, with penalties that can include significant fines and prison time. At J. David Tax Law, our experienced tax fraud attorneys help clients navigate complex investigations, providing strategic defense aimed at reducing or eliminating criminal charges. We work diligently to examine financial records, tax filings, and the government’s evidence, advocating for favorable outcomes based on comprehensive legal insight.

Tax Evasion

 Tax evasion is the deliberate attempt to avoid paying taxes by hiding income, inflating deductions, or using offshore accounts. It is a federal crime carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and substantial fines. We defend clients by carefully reviewing financial records, negotiating with prosecutors, and working to minimize criminal liability.

Failure to File Taxes

Failing to file returns can result in both civil and criminal penalties, especially if proven willful. The IRS may impose fines or jail time, making legal defense essential. Our team works to show lack of intent or mitigating circumstances to protect clients from severe outcomes.

Failure to Pay Taxes

When taxes are not paid even after filing, penalties, interest, and enforcement can follow. If the IRS proves willfulness, criminal prosecution is possible, leading to fines, liens, or jail. We help clients resolve these issues through payment arrangements or negotiations to avoid criminal consequences.

Employment Tax Fraud

 Employers commit employment tax fraud by withholding but not remitting payroll taxes or misclassifying workers to avoid taxes. The IRS investigates these cases aggressively, imposing steep penalties. We defend employers while guiding them toward compliance and reducing exposure to liability.

False Statements or Submissions to the IRS

Making false statements on returns or during audits, such as misstating income or deductions, can trigger criminal charges. Penalties are severe, but many cases hinge on proving intent. Our attorneys build defenses that highlight unintentional errors or negotiate to reduce charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Tax Relief Questions, Answered

How to tell if IRS is investigating you?

Signs of an IRS criminal investigation include receiving summonses for documents, interviews, or notification that the case has been referred to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. You may also notice increased surveillance or third-party inquiries regarding your finances. If you suspect an investigation, consult J. David Tax Law immediately to protect your rights.

An IRS criminal investigation can take several months to years, depending on the complexity of the case and the level of suspected fraud. The process includes document reviews, interviews, and potential court involvement. Swift legal intervention can help expedite and potentially resolve the matter.

The IRS targets cases involving significant tax evasion, fraud, or willful misconduct, particularly when large sums of money or multiple years of unpaid taxes are involved. They prioritize cases where they believe intent to defraud the government is clear. If you’re worried about being targeted, you can read this guide to learn more how unpaid taxes can impact your life.

The process includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, reviewing financial records, and possibly conducting undercover operations. If the IRS finds sufficient evidence, the case may be referred for prosecution. It’s critical to have a tax attorney involved early on to ensure your rights are protected. 

Yes, with proactive legal representation, it’s possible to negotiate with the IRS, correct errors, or provide evidence to prove non-criminal intent, which may prevent the case from escalating to criminal charges. Contact J. David Tax Law to explore your options before charges are filed.

Yes, if the IRS gathers enough evidence of intentional wrongdoing, they can refer the case to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution. This can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment. 

If initial negotiations with the IRS fail, there are still several options for resolution. Plea negotiations can reduce charges or penalties in exchange for a guilty plea, often avoiding a trial. If necessary, going to trial allows your attorney to contest the charges by challenging evidence or proving non-criminal intent. Filing an appeal or exploring alternative programs like Offers in Compromise can also provide opportunities to reduce your tax liability or protect your assets.

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