Tax evasion is the illegal act of intentionally underreporting or concealing income or assets to reduce tax liability in the tax reporting process. Those who are caught committing tax evasion may face significant penalties, potentially including prison time.
For example, David Kamal, a 61-year-old Connecticut resident, has been sentenced to eight months in prison for tax evasion after filing false tax returns, including fabricated deductions for moving and medical expenses in 2012. He also provided fraudulent documentation during IRS tax court proceedings. As part of his sentencing, Kamal is obligated to pay $163,264 in back taxes, a $20,000 fine, and will serve two years of supervised release after his prison term.
If you need help resolving a high-risk civil or criminal tax exposure issue, contact our Dual-Licensed Tax Lawyers & CPAs by calling the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing at (800) 681-1295 or Click Here to schedule a reduced rate initial consultation online.
The Tax Evasion Case of David Kamal
David Kamal, a 61-year-old resident of Tolland County, Connecticut, has been sentenced to eight months in prison for tax evasion. The conviction stems from Kamal’s intentional actions to evade taxes in 2012. He filed a false tax return for that year, claiming deductions for moving and medical expenses he had not legitimately incurred. Kamal even provided fraudulent documentation to an IRS attorney during court proceedings. Additionally, he filed false tax returns for the years 2013 through 2017, exaggerating unreimbursed medical and dental expenses. Kamal pleaded guilty to these charges on December 7, 2022, and was released on a $50,000 bond.
As a result of his conviction, Kamal has agreed to pay a total of $163,264 in back taxes, along with accrued interest and penalties. He will also be subject to a $20,000 fine and serve two years of supervised release following his prison sentence. Kamal is scheduled to report to prison on Friday, November 17. These financial consequences are part of the legal ramifications of his actions related to tax evasion.
As demonstrated by this case, tax evaders can face serious criminal tax consequences for their misconduct. If you have a tax-related legal issue, then our Dual-Licensed Tax Lawyers & CPAs are prepared to offer crucial support. We can help ensure that you do not face criminal prosecution by getting you back into compliance through a domestic voluntary disclosure.
If you have failed to file a tax return for one or more years or have taken a position on a tax return that could not be supported upon an IRS or state tax authority audit, eggshell audit, reverse eggshell audit, or criminal tax investigation, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney to determine your best route back into federal or state tax compliance without facing criminal prosecution.
Note: As long as a taxpayer that has willfully committed tax crimes (potentially including non-filed foreign information returns coupled with affirmative evasion of U.S. income tax on offshore income) self-reports the tax fraud (including a pattern of non-filed returns) through a domestic or offshore voluntary disclosure 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.
It is imperative that you hire an experienced and reputable criminal tax defense attorney to take you through the voluntary disclosure process. Only an Attorney has the Attorney-Client Privilege and Work Product Privileges that will prevent the very professional that you hire from potentially being forced to become a witness against you, especially where they prepared the returns that need to be amended in a subsequent criminal tax audit, investigation or prosecution.
Moreover, only an Attorney can enter you into a voluntary disclosure without engaging in the unauthorized practice of law (a crime in itself). Only an Attorney trained in Criminal Tax Defense fully understands the risks and rewards involved in voluntary disclosures and how to protect you if you do not qualify for a voluntary disclosure.
As uniquely qualified and extensively experienced Criminal Tax Defense Tax Attorneys, KovelCPAs, and EAs, our firm provides a one-stop shop to efficiently achieve the optimal and predictable results that simultaneously protect your liberty and your net worth. See our Testimonials to see what our clients have to say about us!
How to Avoid Tax Evasion Charges
As previously mentioned, tax evasion is a serious offense that can result in criminal charges. To ensure compliance with tax laws and avoid being accused of tax evasion, individuals and businesses can take the following actions:
Accurate Reporting
The foundation of tax compliance is accurate reporting. Ensure that all sources of income, deductions, and credits are reported truthfully and completely on your tax returns. Keep detailed records and documentation to support your financial claims. Accuracy in reporting helps you avoid potential legal issues and ensures that you benefit from all eligible tax deductions and credits.
Understand Tax Laws
Stay informed about relevant tax laws and regulations. Tax laws can change frequently, so it’s essential to stay up-to-date on the latest updates and revisions that may affect your tax situation. Regularly reviewing tax law changes and seeking clarification when needed will help you make informed financial decisions and maintain compliance.
Report Offshore Accounts
If you have offshore financial accounts, be sure to report them as required by the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) and other regulations. Failure to disclose offshore accounts can lead to severe penalties. Maintaining transparency regarding offshore holdings avoids legal trouble and contributes to the overall integrity of your financial affairs.
Avoid Tax Shelters and Schemes
Steer clear of tax shelters and schemes that promise to reduce your tax liability significantly. Many of these are illegal and can lead to criminal charges. If a tax-saving strategy sounds too good to be true, it probably is. It’s essential to rely on legitimate and legal means to reduce your tax liability, such as legitimate deductions and credits available under tax laws.
Timely Filing and Payment
File your tax returns on time and pay any taxes owed by the due date. Late filings or unpaid taxes can raise suspicions and trigger audits. Paying your taxes on time keeps you in compliance and avoids penalties and interest charges that can accrue on unpaid taxes.
Cooperate with Audits
If you are selected for an audit by tax authorities, cooperate fully and provide the requested documentation and information promptly. Being uncooperative during an audit can escalate the situation. Maintaining transparency and providing the necessary documents and explanations can help resolve the audit efficiently and with minimal disruption.
If you have cheated on your returns and find yourself under audit, contact our firm for help. We have never had an audit client criminally prosecuted to date.
Maintain Records
Keep organized records of your financial transactions, including income, expenses, and deductions. Retain these records for several years as they may be needed in case of an audit. Well-organized records facilitate compliance and simplify the process of responding to inquiries or audits from tax authorities.
Use Tax Software or Professionals
Consider using tax preparation software or hiring a tax professional to prepare your returns. These tools and experts can help reduce errors and ensure compliance. Tax software often includes built-in checks for common mistakes, while tax professionals can offer valuable insights and advice to optimize your tax situation.
Report Changes Promptly
If your financial circumstances change significantly during the year, such as a change in income sources or marital status, update your tax filings promptly to reflect these changes accurately. Prompt reporting of changes ensures that your tax returns remain accurate and compliant with current tax laws and regulations. Failure to update your tax filings can lead to discrepancies and potential issues with tax authorities.
Seek Professional Advice
Consider collaborating with the qualified tax professionals at our firm when navigating complex tax regulations. We can provide valuable guidance on tax planning, deductions, and credits, reducing the likelihood of errors or omissions on your returns. We can also assist you in understanding the latest changes in tax laws and how your financial situation may be impacted.
Call Our Legal Team for Help with Your Tax-Related Issues
Seek guidance from our Dual-Licensed Tax Lawyers & CPAs at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing by dialing (800) 681-1295.
We Are Here for You
Regardless of your business or estate needs, the professionals at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing are here for you. We are open for business, and our team will help ensure that your business is, too. Contact the Law Offices of David W. Klasing today to discuss your business with one of our professionals.
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