San Diego, CA Tax Attorneys

An IRS Special Agent investigates potential criminal violations of federal tax law. Unlike civil revenue agents, special agents focus on fraud, evasion, and willful misconduct. They gather financial records, conduct interviews, execute subpoenas, and work with federal prosecutors. Their goal is to determine whether a case warrants criminal charges, not just additional taxes or penalties.

Yes, jail is possible, but usually only when nonpayment involves willful behavior such as fraud, evasion, or deliberate concealment of income or assets. Most unpaid tax cases remain civil matters and involve penalties, interest, or collection actions. Criminal charges typically arise when conduct shows intentional wrongdoing rather than financial hardship. We recommend consulting with a tax lawyer to understand your rights and explore options to resolve any tax issues before they escalate.

Tax avoidance involves legally minimizing tax liability through deductions, credits, and planning allowed under the law. Tax evasion is illegal and includes actions like hiding income, falsifying records, or using deceptive schemes to reduce taxes owed. The key difference lies in intent and legality, with evasion exposing taxpayers to criminal prosecution.

A conviction for tax evasion can result in severe consequences, including substantial fines, repayment of taxes owed, penalties, interest, and possible prison time. Additional outcomes may include supervised release, asset forfeiture, and long-term financial and professional damage. Convictions also create permanent criminal records that affect future opportunities.

Warning signs include contact from IRS Criminal Investigation, requests for interviews by special agents, subpoenas, search warrants, or allegations of fraud, false filings, or unreported income. If the matter involves intent, concealment, or potential criminal exposure, legal representation becomes critical to protect rights and manage risk.

Contacting a tax fraud attorney early often provides the strongest protection. Legal guidance is especially important after receiving notices involving fraud penalties, criminal investigation indicators, or IRS Special Agent involvement. Early representation can help manage communications, preserve rights, and prevent situations from escalating into criminal charges.

Failure to file taxes can trigger penalties, interest, substitute returns filed by the IRS, and aggressive collection actions. Over time, non-filing may lead to audits, liens, levies, and possible criminal charges if the behavior appears willful. Unfiled returns also limit access to refunds, credits, and resolution programs.

CPAs handle tax preparation, accounting, and compliance matters effectively. Tax attorneys become essential when legal interpretation, disputes, investigations, or criminal exposure arise. Attorney-client privilege also protects sensitive communications, which CPAs cannot always provide. In high-risk situations, legal representation offers broader protection and strategic defense.

Common red flags include unreported income, large discrepancies between filings and third-party reports, excessive deductions, repeated losses, offshore accounts, cash-heavy businesses, and failure to file returns. Sudden lifestyle changes that do not match reported income may also draw scrutiny and lead to audits or investigations.

The IRS typically allows installment agreements ranging from short-term plans of up to 180 days to long-term plans lasting several years. Payment terms depend on the amount owed, financial condition, and compliance history. In some cases, alternative resolutions may apply if full repayment creates financial hardship.