Erie Tax Fraud Lawyer

With IRS offices and tax professionals operating throughout Erie, residents are expected to file accurate returns and comply with state and federal tax laws. When someone is accused of misreporting income, claiming false deductions, or intentionally avoiding taxes, those allegations can lead to serious criminal charges. An Erie, PA, tax fraud lawyer can step in to defend you against these accusations and work to minimize the risk of severe financial and legal penalties.

Why Choose The Levenson Law Firm

The Levenson Law Firm provides a strategic and results-driven defense to individuals in Erie accused of tax fraud at both the state and federal levels. While the government may claim intent to defraud, the line between mistake and crime is not always clear. We can scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence while building a case to prove you did not intend to break a state or federal law.

Our attorneys understand how tax investigations unfold and know how to challenge assumptions made by auditors, investigators, and prosecutors. Whether the charges involve underreported income, false deductions, or failure to file, you can trust our criminal defense team to approach your case with a focused strategy that protects your rights, reputation, and future.

Understanding Tax Fraud Charges in Erie

The IRS knows that minor mistakes can happen. Typically, the remedy is to mail a form amending a past tax return and pay the arrears. When the inaccurate tax filing is based on intentionally fraudulent information intended to deceive the federal government, the taxpayer can face serious penalties and potential criminal charges.

In Pennsylvania, the State Department of Revenue can also investigate and prosecute tax fraud related to state income taxes, sales taxes, and employer withholding. These cases may lead to charges at the state level, often handled in Erie County courts.

Tax fraud occurs when individuals intentionally falsify their financial information to avoid paying the taxes they owe. While many people may unknowingly make mistakes on their tax filings, tax fraud becomes a criminal offense when the actions are deliberate and intended to deceive the government. This includes underreporting income, inflating deductions, or claiming false exemptions to reduce tax liability.

Businesses and individuals caught in tax fraud investigations face devastating consequences that can ruin careers, drain finances, and lead to prison time. The consequences of tax fraud are severe and can include substantial fines, interest on unpaid taxes, and potentially prison time.

In Erie, the United States Attorney’s Office in Pittsburgh, which employs over 100 staff, including more than 60 lawyers, prosecutes these crimes aggressively, particularly when the fraud involves large sums of money or repeated offenses.

Tax fraud becomes a federal crime if it spans multiple years, involves businesses, or is part of a larger conspiracy. In 2024, the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigations obtained 1,571 convictions for tax-related crimes. The Federal Correctional Institution McKean in Lewis Run, which houses 1,066 inmates, includes many convicted of white-collar crimes like tax fraud.

The Critical Role of Legal Representation in Fighting Tax Fraud Charges

Facing tax fraud charges, whether brought by the IRS or the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, can carry severe penalties, including fines, orders to pay restitution, and possible jail time. In Erie, both state and federal authorities actively and thoroughly investigate potential tax fraud.

A qualified defense attorney can challenge the basis of the investigation, scrutinize how evidence was collected, and identify whether the alleged actions were the result of negligence rather than intentional fraud. Legal counsel familiar with state and federal tax laws can help protect your rights at every stage and work to secure a favorable outcome in your case that helps you avoid harsh penalties and damage to your reputation.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Penalty for Tax Fraud in Pennsylvania?

A: The penalty for tax fraud in Pennsylvania varies depending on the amount of money involved and the nature of the deception. Convictions can lead to large fines, repayment of taxes, and possible jail time. These charges may also trigger federal investigations. A record of tax fraud can affect employment, credit, and licensing. The consequences become more severe with each additional offense.

Q: Can You Be Charged With Tax Fraud for a Mistake?

A: You cannot be charged with tax fraud for a mistake. Honest mistakes are not considered fraud. To convict someone of tax fraud, the government must prove intent to deceive. Miscalculations, math errors, or misunderstood deductions typically result in penalties or audits, not criminal charges. Fraud charges involve deliberate actions, like hiding income or submitting false documents. Proving intent is a key difference between a civil issue and a criminal case.

Q: How Do Investigators Prove Tax Fraud?

A: Investigators prove tax fraud by showing patterns of someone knowingly violating tax laws. They review bank statements, tax returns, email records, and audit reports. Common signs include underreported income, inflated deductions, or the use of false identities. Witnesses and digital trails often support the case. Proving tax fraud requires more than mistakes. It requires proof of willful, intentional misconduct for financial gain.

Q: What Are Common Defenses Against Tax Fraud Allegations?

A: Common defenses against tax fraud allegations include lack of intent, reliance on a tax preparer, or insufficient evidence. If someone misunderstood the law or made an honest mistake, that can be used to fight the charge. Other defenses may involve errors in how the investigation was handled or whether rights were violated. Every case depends on the specific facts and documentation involved.

Fight Tax Fraud Charges With The Levenson Law Firm in Erie

A tax fraud conviction can result in heavy penalties, including fines, restitution, and even imprisonment, all of which can severely impact your finances, reputation, and future. At The Levenson Law Firm, we understand the high stakes and are dedicated to providing aggressive defense strategies tailored to your case.

Once you secure representation from our firm, our father-daughter team can focus on uncovering weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, adding doubt to their claims, and fighting for a favorable outcome to your case. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward protecting your financial future.