What is Federal Tax Evasion?

Tax evasion is defined in 26 U.S.C. § 7201. The statute says that the wilful evasion or attempt to defeat any tax is guilty of a felony. Other federal statutes that may apply to tax evasion include 26 U.S.C. § 7203 (Willful failure to file return, supply information, or pay tax) and 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1) (Fraud and false statements).

There is sometimes a thin line between aggressive tax preparation and actual fraud. The IRS and federal government often use high profile cases to publicize the need to file “honest” tax returns.

Many high wealth individuals paid close attention to the prosecution of entrepreneur, Walter Anderson. He was convicted of the largest tax evasion case in U.S. history for evading more than $200 million in taxes. He had to pay the $ 200 million dollars and serve 9 years in prison.

In 2008, Wesley Snipes was convicted on three misdemeanor counts of failing to file tax returns from 1999 to 2001. He was convicted of keeping $7 million in taxes from the federal government. He was sentenced to three years' imprisonment. After an unsuccessful appeal, he served 28 months in federal prison. He was released in April 2013.

Federal tax crimes require expert legal represention. Our office has experienced tax evasion defense lawyers, an MBA and strong federal legal team to assist you.