Awards & Recognition
In the dynamic urban landscape of Oakland, it’s not just the bustling business activities that require adherence to strict rules. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) demands the same level of compliance from every taxpayer in the city when it comes to following federal tax laws.
If you’re an Oakland taxpayer and find yourself under the IRS radar for an audit while having undisclosed foreign accounts or unreported offshore assets generating unreported yet taxable income, your pathway to regaining compliance could become significantly challenging. The repercussions of offshore intentional non-compliance can be severe, with hefty civil penalties and potential criminal tax consequences looming large.However, even amid Oakland’s urban environment, a lifeline is available for taxpayers. If you have willfully committed tax fraud, whether by not filing foreign information returns or intentionally evading U.S. income tax on domestic or offshore taxable income, the path to redemption is possible through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure. At the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, we will help you self-report these discrepancies before the IRS launches an audit or criminal tax investigation. This will give you a nearly guaranteed opportunity to return to tax compliance without facing criminal tax prosecution. This approach not only averts potential criminal tax prosecution but also often results in reduced civil penalties. It’s a crucial step for Oakland taxpayers caught in such a predicament.
Our dual-licensed Oakland Voluntary Disclosure Attorneys and CPAs offer experienced guidance through the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice (VDP). This program is crucial for individuals who have willfully understated their federal tax liabilities. It provides a systematic and secure avenue to rectify their federal tax status while avoiding criminal tax prosecution. Similarly, the State of California’s Franchise Tax Board (FTB) and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) provide methods for non-compliant taxpayers in Oakland to regain compliant status by coming forward with the details of their failure to comply with the California state tax code. The path to voluntary disclosure to the FTB depends on whether you are an in-state or out-of-state filer. We are dedicated to assisting in making sincere, comprehensive, and timely disclosures to the IRS and California state tax authorities, which includes arranging for the payment of owed taxes, interest, and penalties and cooperating with the tax agencies to determine the correct tax liability. Call our Oakland tax office at (510) 241-2613 for a reduced-rate initial consultation, or contact us online here.
Feeling Concerned About Past Intentional Tax Non-Compliance?
Even if the IRS hasn’t detected intentional non-compliance issues in your tax filings in the past, the chances they will in the future have been consistently increasing. This may encompass undisclosed foreign accounts, assets, or unreported domestic or foreign income sources. While you might believe that past discrepancies went unnoticed, the prevailing conditions in Oakland require making tax compliance a priority and an absolute necessity. Some various scenarios and circumstances could prompt sudden scrutiny, some of which are detailed below:
Potential Triggers for IRS Scrutiny
- Divorce Proceedings and Non-compliance: During a divorce, a forensic accountant might discover tax fraud by one spouse, which could become a point of leverage in settlement negotiations or even result in criminal tax investigation if brought into the public divorce court records;
- Business Growth and Hidden Finances: A growing business may reveal a secondary set of books to a potential buyer. The buyer can threaten to reveal these hidden accounts to the IRS, using this as a bargaining chip for a lower acquisition cost.
- State Audits as Precursors: A state-level audit could bring to light fraudulent federal tax activities.
These examples are just a snapshot of how previously unobserved non-compliant behavior might surface, potentially leading to criminal tax charges. Several other contributing factors could increase the likelihood of the IRS uncovering such behavior, which include:
- International Cooperation: Agreements for sharing tax-related information globally, like FATCA, have enhanced the IRS’s ability to identify offshore evasion;
- Technological Advances: The IRS’s use of data analytics and technology has vastly improved its ability to spot non-compliance and tax evasion;
- Whistleblower Programs: IRS incentives encourage whistleblowers to report tax non-compliance, which could bring to light previously unknown infractions.
- Voluntary Disclosure Policy: This encourages the reporting of intentional tax misconduct and may bring to light non-compliance among entities that have not yet been disclosed.
Proactive Measures
With that in mind, now is a good time for taxpayers to familiarize themselves with the IRS’ voluntary disclosure programs. Taking a proactive stance toward tax compliance is advisable to counter this risk and its potential repercussions. In this context, seeking professional advice becomes invaluable. At the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, we offer our clients the unique opportunity to get effective advice from Dual Licensed Tax Attorneys and CPAs. Creating a true partner in tax planning, compliance and controversy scenarios will benefit your immediate situation and long-term goals. Call (510) 241-2613 or schedule a reduced rate initial consultation online here to learn more today.
How do I Become Tax Compliant in Oakland where I have a History of Blatantly Cheating?
Taxpayers with a history of “potentially criminal” non-compliance in their tax filings can regain compliance through voluntary disclosure. However, acceptance into the voluntary disclosure process requires an application.
Taxpayers and their Criminal Tax Defense Attorney should first assess which disclosure method is most appropriate for their situation. This assessment largely hinges on the willfulness of the non-compliance, the scope of years or filings involved, and the extent of unpaid taxes or undisclosed income.
To gain admission into the IRS’ Voluntary Disclosure Practice, the application process generally involves two parts, both incorporated in IRS Form 14457. Part I, the Voluntary Disclosure Practice Preclearance Request and Application, must be submitted first to obtain preclearance. While necessary, submission of Part I and its acceptance by the government does not guarantee final acceptance into the practice.
Part I should be sent via mail or fax to the IRS at the following contact details:
IRS Criminal Investigation Attn:
Voluntary Disclosure Coordinator
2970 Market St.
1-D04-100 Philadelphia,
PA 19104
Fax: 844-253-5613
Following the submission of Part I, the IRS will either approve or deny preliminary participation in the program. Approval notifications are typically sent by mail. Once approved, applicants have 45 days to submit Part II. Although extensions may be granted in some instances, they are limited to one per case and are not guaranteed.
IRS agents will assess the submission of Part II of Form 14457 to decide eligibility for the Voluntary Disclosure Practice. The applicant will receive a Preliminary Acceptance Letter if the participation is sanctioned. The responsible agent will forward Form 14457 to the IRS civil investigations department. An examiner will be assigned to the case and will contact the taxpayer. It is crucial for the taxpayer to cooperate fully with the examiner, providing all requested documents and information. For the most up-to-date procedures on Voluntary Disclosure, contact our dual-licensed Criminal Tax Defense Attorneys and CPAs at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing. Our Attorneys, fully trained in Criminal Tax Defense, understand the risks and rewards involved in voluntary disclosures and how to protect you if you do not qualify for a voluntary disclosure.
Get Back into Tax Compliance without Facing Criminal Tax Prosecution in Oakland with our dual-licensed Voluntary Disclosure Attorneys and CPAs
At the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, our dual-licensed Tax Attorneys and CPAs skillfully navigate the complexities of various federal and California state voluntary disclosures, including domestic, offshore, CDTFA, and FTB voluntary disclosures, streamlined procedures, and delinquent FBAR and international information return submission procedures. Choosing us is choosing peace of mind. We work towards achieving optimal and predictable results that simultaneously protect your liberty and your net worth. Our client testimonials are a testament to our unwavering commitment and professional prowess.
As long as a taxpayer in Oakland who has willfully committed tax avoidance (potentially including non-filed foreign information returns coupled with affirmative evasion of U.S. income tax on offshore income) self-reports the tax noncompliance through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure with the help of our Oakland Foreign Account & Offshore Taxable Income Tax Compliance Attorneys before the IRS has started an audit or criminal tax investigation/prosecution, the taxpayer can ordinarily be successfully brought back into tax compliance and receive a nearly guaranteed pass on criminal tax prosecution and simultaneously often receive a break on the civil penalties that would otherwise apply.
Our seasoned team is adept at preparing thorough initial disclosures, ensuring that all relevant facts, documents, and return information are presented with transparency and cooperation. The Tax Law Office of David W. Klasing is not just another legal office in the city; it’s a nexus of federal and California state tax proficiency led by one of the nation’s most uniquely qualified civil and criminal tax controversy defense professionals. While the nation boasts approximately 1.1 million attorneys and 560k CPAs, an estimated mere 24k hold both prestigious designations. Dive deeper, and you’ll find that an even smaller elite group, roughly 3,000, have additionally earned a Master’s in Taxation. David W. Klasing is a proud member of this exclusive cadre.
Our Oakland Office is Conveniently Located at:
505 14th St Suite 900
505 14th St, Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 241-2613
