From An Audit, To a Crime Part 2


          IRS audits are the largest source of Criminal Tax cases. This is a part of the IRS that most people are unfamiliar with, and never want to see. The IRS Criminal Investigation Division handles these cases. If ever visited by one of these Special Agents (yes, that is their title), keep in mind that lying to them can result in a Felony. Always ask to see identification, ask for a business card, and consider what to say, if anything.
          Often they may approach a person and say they are not the target of an investigation, just a witness. That might be true at the time. There is nothing to keep the answers given at the time, to be used against a person if/when the investigation changes. This is a situation when a Taxpayer needs to go find legal representation. It is their right to communicate with the Criminal Investigation Division through an attorney. Usually a qualified Tax Professional can keep finances from going in this direction in the first place.

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