According to a Department of Justice press release, a Virginia tax lobbyist pleaded guilty last week on charges related to willfully filing a false tax return. Seemingly all too familiar, this story is a reminder that anyone, even those who work with tax and tax policy can get caught up in a situation that can result in criminal tax charges.
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Court records indicate that James Miller, 67, and an attorney, intentionally underreported gross income on his tax returns. The IRS and Department of Justice estimate that for tax years 2010 through 2014, such underestimation was approximately $2,215,587. These omissions related to partnership income that he received from various law firms that he worked for, including gross receipts from his own lobbying firm. The IRS estimates that the total tax loss resulting from Miller’s failure to properly report income was over $735,000.
Defendant Had Extensive Tax Experience
Surprisingly, Miller’s connection to the tax world is relatively deep. His lobbying efforts nearly exclusively focus around tax. As indicated above, he not only receives compensation from his own lobbying firm, but also does work for several D.C.-area law firms. Additionally, Miller spent several years working for the Tax Division of the Department of Justice.
Miller’s sentencing is scheduled for later this year. He is facing up to three years in federal prison. He will likely also be sentenced to a term of supervised release, which will commence after his physical incarceration ends. Lastly, Miller will likely be ordered to pay restitution to the IRS, as well as penalties and interest.
The IRS is Getting Better at Detecting False Tax Returns
Filing a false tax return is becoming easier and easier for the IRS and Department of Justice to detect and prove in court. As technology advances at a more rapid pace, even the government has taken advantage of automated computer software that detects certain inconstancies and flags potential badges of fraud.
If you have taken a position on tax return that cannot be support by documentation upon examination, it is in your best interest to discuss your situation with an experienced tax attorney. Many taxpayers falsely believe that they can easily take the IRS on by themselves. Walking into an examination without adequate representation can easily result in incriminating statements being made. If you engage an experienced tax defense attorney, they will be with you every step of the way to ensure such mistakes are not made.
Contact an Experienced Tax Attorney Today
The tax and accounting professionals at the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing have extensive experience representing taxpayers from all walks of life. Making a mistake and filing a false tax return can happen to anyone. Our team of zealous advocates is standing by to help assist in the crafting of a strategy to resolve your tax filing predicament. Do not let the stress of an unresolved tax dispute cause you to lose sleep. Contact the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing today for a reduced-rate consultation.
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Will it cost me more to hire the Tax Law Offices of David W. Klasing, who’s main office and the vast majority of the firm’s staff is located in Irvine California, but an appointment only Satellite office is close to my location, as opposed to a local company? Absolutely not! See our policies that address this issue here:
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