Texas IRS Lawyer Experienced in High-Stakes Tax Shelter Promoter Investigation Defense
If the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is targeting you as a tax shelter promoter, you need to be prepared to defend yourself by all means available. Tax shelter promoter investigations can lead to serious criminal charges; and, while it is possible to avoid prosecution, doing so requires a coordinated and strategic defense. Texas IRS lawyer Lawrence Brown has extensive experience representing clients in these investigations, and he can use his experience to protect you.
But, it is important that you contact us promptly. When you are facing an IRS investigation, time is of the essence. By the time you find out that you are under investigation, the inquiry is already well underway, and the IRS isn’t going to wait for you to catch up. As a result, you (and your counsel) need to work quickly to get up to speed—and you need to focus your efforts on doing everything you can to make sure the IRS’s investigation does not lead to criminal charges.
What To Do if You Are Facing an IRS Tax Shelter Promoter Investigation
Due to the risks involved, if you are facing an IRS tax shelter promoter investigation, you need to act quickly to protect yourself. Among other critical steps, as soon as possible, you should:
- Carefully Review Any Correspondence from the IRS – You should carefully review any correspondence (or other documents) you have received from the IRS. If you have received a target letter, subpoena or any other form of communication, you need to ensure that you have a clear understanding of why the IRS has contacted you and what information it is requesting, and you need to ensure that you are aware of any pending deadlines to respond. You should be sure to have these available to provide to your Texas IRS attorney as well.
- Preserve Any Relevant Documentation – When facing an IRS investigation, it is important to preserve any relevant (or potentially relevant) documentation. Deleting or destroying relevant records can not only raise red flags, but it can also lead to prosecution regardless of whether the government ultimately pursues charges against you for illegal tax shelter promotion. Your Texas IRS attorney will be able to help ensure that you do not unnecessarily or inadvertently disclose potentially damaging records to the IRS.
- Consult with a Texas IRS Lawyer – Successfully defending against an IRS tax shelter promoter investigation requires a clear and comprehensive understanding of the relevant facts and the relevant law. It also requires the ability to deal with the IRS effectively. Engaging experienced legal counsel is critical; and, again, you should consult with a Texas IRS lawyer as soon as possible.
While these are three important steps to take when you are facing scrutiny from the IRS, these are far from the only steps you need to take to protect yourself. When you speak with Texas IRS lawyer Lawrence Brown about your case in confidence, he will explain everything you need to do in order to maximize your chances of avoiding criminal prosecution.
What To Expect During the Investigation Process
Along with knowing what it takes to prepare an effective defense, it is also important to know what to expect during the investigation process. This will allow you to anticipate the IRS’s next steps—and this will allow you to regain ground as you work to reestablish control of your situation. So, what can you expect? Broadly speaking, there are three critical stages in a typical IRS tax shelter promoter investigation:
- The IRS’s Unilateral Information Gathering – The IRS will unilaterally gather information through various means. Along with reviewing relevant filings (including your client’s filings), the IRS may also contact suspected co-conspirators, perform data analysis and leverage its other investigative tools to gather information without your knowledge.
- Responding to Formal and Informal Requests from the IRS – But, the IRS will most likely need to gather information from you as well; and, to do so, it may issue a variety of formal and informal requests. Determining how to respond to these requests requires the advice and insights of an experienced Texas IRS lawyer.
- Evaluating Potential Means of Resolution – Once sufficient information is on the table, both sides will begin evaluating potential means of resolution. As discussed below, generally speaking, these investigations can have three potential outcomes, each of which can be more or less likely under varying circumstances.
This is an extremely abbreviated overview of the IRS’s investigation process, and different investigations can proceed in different ways. To ensure that you are making informed decisions in real time, you will need to work closely with your defense counsel to remain abreast of the IRS’s investigative activities and evaluate the options you have available.
3 Options for Resolving Tax Shelter Promoter Investigations with the IRS
Recognizing that individual circumstances vary, generally speaking, there are three options for resolving a tax shelter promoter investigation with the IRS. These options are:
1. Close the Investigation Without Further Action
The best-case scenario is to close the investigation without further action. Texas IRS lawyer Lawrence Brown has substantial experience securing resolutions for his clients at the investigative stage.
2. Negotiate a Settlement with the IRS
If avoiding consequences entirely is not feasible under the circumstances at hand, then the next best option may be to negotiate a settlement with the IRS. Lawrence Brown has substantial experience representing his clients in IRS settlement negotiations as well.
3. Defend Against the IRS’s Allegations in Federal Court
If settling is not in your best interest and the IRS is intent on pursuing charges, then you may be forced to defend against the IRS’s allegations in federal court. With decades of experience, Lawrence Brown has the knowledge, insights and skills required to provide effective trial representation.
Request a Confidential Consultation with Texas IRS Lawyer Lawrence Brown
If you are facing an IRS tax shelter promotion investigation, we encourage you to contact us promptly. To request a confidential consultation with Texas IRS lawyer Lawrence Brown, call 888-870-0025 or contact us confidentially online today.