2024 Civil Tax Fraud – Navigating Audits When Fraud is Involved!

Tax fraud allegations, whether civil or criminal, pose significant challenges for taxpayers and their representatives. Common issues include underreporting income, excessive business deductions, asset concealment, structuring, misclassification of employees, inaccurate filings, and Trust Fund issues. These allegations can lead to severe penalties, including hefty fines and potential criminal charges.

Understanding and effectively addressing tax fraud allegations is crucial for tax professionals, attorneys, and advisors. The implications of civil fraud penalties, which can reach up to 75% of the tax understatement, underscore the importance of proper representation during audits. Failure to navigate these challenges can escalate matters to criminal prosecution, adding further complexity and potential dire consequences for clients.

Presented by Adam S. Fayne, a seasoned tax attorney, this webinar will equip participants with comprehensive strategies to handle tax fraud allegations effectively. Key topics covered include:

• Identification and Understanding of Tax Fraud: Clarifying what constitutes tax fraud and its various forms, including underreporting income and asset concealment.
• Navigating Civil Fraud Penalties: Detailed exploration of civil fraud penalties and methods to minimize their impact through strategic negotiation and representation.
• Auditing Processes and Defense Strategies: Insights into representing clients during audits involving fraud allegations, with an emphasis on maintaining the audit within civil boundaries.
• Tools for Negotiation: Practical tools and techniques to negotiate the lowest possible penalties and favorable outcomes for clients facing tax fraud allegations.
• Case Studies and Examples: Real-world case studies and examples illustrating successful defense strategies and outcomes in fraud audit scenarios.

Webinar Objectives

By the end of this webinar, you will:

• Gain a thorough understanding of civil tax fraud and its implications.
• Learn to identify common indicators and warning signs of tax fraud.
• Understand the investigation process and your rights as a taxpayer.
• Discover effective strategies for defending against tax fraud allegations.
• Be equipped with best practices for compliance and fraud prevention.

Webinar Agenda

• Overview of Civil Tax Fraud
  • Definition and key concepts
  • Distinction between civil and criminal tax fraud
• Legal Framework
  • Relevant laws and regulations
  • Enforcement agencies and their roles
• Common Indicators of Tax Fraud
  • Red flags and warning signs
  • Case studies and real-world examples
• Investigation Process
  • Steps in a tax fraud investigation
  • Rights and obligations of taxpayers
• Defending Against Tax Fraud Allegations
  • Legal defenses and strategies
  • Navigating audits and investigations
• Consequences and Penalties
  • Potential penalties for civil tax fraud
  • Impact on individuals and businesses
• Preventative Measures
  • Best practices for compliance
  • Tips for avoiding common pitfalls

Webinar Highlights

• The difference between civil fraud and criminal charges.
• The process the IRS uses to determine whether to keep a case civil or criminal.
• The various methods to try and negotiate that the case remain civil, and not criminal.
• The applicable penalties in civil tax fraud cases.
• How to negotiate the reduction of the civil tax fraud penalty.

Who Should Attend

Accountants, tax preparers, CFOs, financial compliance professionals, and lawyers

Credit(s)

IRS CPE Credits: 1 Tax hour