Tax-related crimes are taken seriously by the government and the legal system, and the consequences for those found guilty can be severe. This was evident in the recent case of Robin J. McPherson, a California man who pleaded guilty to failing to appear at his sentencing, attempting to evade the assessment of income tax, and wire fraud. If you have an outstanding tax debt that you are behind on or have failed to file tax returns for one or more years, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced tax defense attorney to come back into tax compliance.
Defendant Accused of Fleeing the Country Before He Could Be Sentenced on Tax Offenses
According to a Department of Justice press release, McPherson failed to appear for his sentencing in 2001, following a trial that convicted him and two co-defendants of conspiring to defraud the IRS and evading over $1 million in taxes for the years 1993 and 1994. Although McPherson was supposed to attend his sentencing in March 2021, he fled the country. While he was on the run, McPherson was indicted for attempting to evade taxes on income he received in 1999 and 2000.
McPherson, operating under the name Raymond James, defrauded other individuals of approximately $1.5 million by inducing them to invest in nonexistent Costa Rican villas. In May 2022, McPherson was arrested in Costa Rica by local authorities and deported back to the United States.
McPherson faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for failure to appear, five years in prison for tax evasion, and 20 years in prison for wire fraud. Additionally, the defendant could be ordered to serve a period of supervised release and may be required to pay restitution.
Coming Into Tax Compliance with the Help of Experienced Tax Counsel
This case serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking proper legal help when it comes to outstanding tax debt or IRS civil and criminal tax investigations. The Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing can provide guidance and assistance in navigating the complexities of the tax system and help individuals and businesses avoid the serious consequences that come with an IRS investigation or DOJ prosecution.
If you have failed to file a tax return for one or more years, or have been notified that your tax return is under examination, you should strongly consider contacting an experienced tax defense attorney to determine the best strategy to come into tax compliance. Together with your tax attorney, you will determine the pertinent facts of your case and lay out a road map to get right with the government.
We Are Here for You
Regardless of your particular 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.
In addition to our main office in Irvine, the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing has unstaffed (conference room only) satellite offices in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Panorama City, Oxnard, San Diego, Bakersfield, San Jose, San Francisco, Oakland, Carlsbad and Sacramento.
Our office technology allows clients to meet virtually via GoToMeeting. With end-to-end encryption, strong passwords, and top-rated reliability, no one is messing with your meeting. To schedule a reduced rate initial consultation via GoToMeeting follow this link. Call our office and request a GoToMeeting if you are an existing client.
More Commonly Asked Tax Audit Questions
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Questions and Answers for Criminal Tax Representation
- When tax defense counsel parallels tax crime investigation
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- Help! The Document I Gave the IRS Had False Information
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