Aiding, Abetting, and Conspiracy to Defraud the U.S.

What exactly is aiding, abetting, and conspiracy to defraud Uncle Sam?  The definition is fairly general:  one party willfully joins another party in nonlawful actions designed expressly to dodge paying over required taxes, including employee and income, to the federal government.  A person or business suspected of aiding and abetting will also be suspected of committing other criminal offenses as well, such as making false statements or claims, money laundering, and removing and concealing facts with intent to defraud.

Often the suspected offender is an accountant or similar representative of a business whose owner pressures the offender into falsifying business documents for the IRS.  At times, based on information given to the Accounting Department by company officers, a bookkeeper may so frequently pass along incorrect numbers in IRS filings that the bookkeeper appears guilty by association.  Other times an offender in financial straits may solicit record keepers to alter data temporarily, until the monetary circumstances correct themselves.  And then there are the cases in which cash flow is derived from illegal activities, such as illicit drug sales.  Patronizing such enterprises can lead to conviction of aiding and abetting to defraud the government.

The consequences of being investigated as a potential offender are severe.  Successful prosecution can translate to heavy penalties, fines, and incarceration, not to mention the destruction of professional reputation.  Equally disconcerting:  once Uncle Sam has you in his crosshairs, be prepared for decades of intense scrutiny to your tax returns and other IRS filings.

If you believe the IRS is investigating you for aiding and abetting, contact our team of professionals at Law Offices of Christy Lee, P.C.  Don’t risk your personal freedom and your livelihood by trying to tackle on your own an IRS investigation into potential aiding and abetting.  Call our tax boutique to see how we can assist you with all your tax-related criminal issues.