Bergen County Tax Evasion Lawyer — Defending Against IRS Criminal Charges
Tax evasion in Bergen County is a serious federal crime under 26 U.S.C. § 7201, involving willful attempts to evade tax assessment or payment, with penalties including up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines per count.
What Is Tax Evasion Under Federal Law?
The statutory definition of tax evasion is found in Title 26 of the U.S. Code. The crime requires the government to prove three elements beyond a reasonable doubt: the existence of a substantial tax deficiency, an affirmative act constituting an evasion or attempted evasion of the tax, and willfulness on the part of the defendant. This is distinct from negligence or a good-faith mistake.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | U.S. Code via Office of the Law Revision Counsel
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of the federal tax evasion statute, see 26 U.S.C. § 7201 (official U.S. Code). For local court procedures in Bergen County, refer to the New Jersey Courts website for the Bergen Vicinage.
Local Defense Strategy for Bergen County Tax Cases
IRS criminal investigations in Bergen County often originate from audits or information referrals. The Law Division of the Superior Court handles related civil litigation, while federal criminal charges proceed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Early intervention by a tax fraud defense lawyer Bergen County is essential to challenge the IRS’s evidence of willfulness before a criminal referral is made to the Department of Justice.
- Initial Contact & Analysis: Upon engagement, we as early as possible analyze all IRS correspondence (e.g., CP2000 notices, audit reports) and your financial records to assess exposure.
- Investigation Response: We manage all communication with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) agents, often seeking to contain the matter at the civil level through a voluntary disclosure or technical defense.
- Pre-Indictment Negotiation: If a criminal referral is likely, we negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to present mitigating factors and argue against indictment.
- Trial Preparation & Defense: If indicted, we build a defense focusing on lack of willfulness, challenging the IRS’s calculation of the tax deficiency, or asserting good-faith reliance on professional advice.
Potential Penalties for Tax Crimes
In Bergen County, a federal tax evasion conviction carries severe penalties, including imprisonment, substantial fines, and the requirement to pay the full tax owed plus interest and civil fraud penalties.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years per count | Up to $250,000 (individual) / $500,000 (corporation) | Cost of prosecution, restitution, civil fraud penalty (75% of underpayment) |
| Filing a False Return (26 U.S.C. § 7206(1)) | Federal Felony | Up to 3 years per count | Up to $250,000 | Conviction permanently on record, professional license revocation |
| Willful Failure to File/Pay (26 U.S.C. § 7203) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year per count | Up to $100,000 | Continuing daily fines, asset seizure, passport denial |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Tax Evasion Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to federal defense. Our “Advocacy Without Borders” approach means we use our understanding of both prosecutorial tactics and defense strategy. We have a documented record of resolving sensitive financial investigations favorably for our clients.
Our Approach to Tax Evasion Cases
We treat every IRS criminal charge as a unique situation requiring a detailed, evidence-based defense. Our goal is to prevent criminal charges whenever possible by engaging early with the IRS. If charges are filed, we meticulously dissect the government’s case, often focusing on the critical element of “willfulness” to create reasonable doubt.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Bergen County Defense Resources
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (732) 651-9900
By appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients facing tax evasion charges in Bergen County courts in Hackensack. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17. As a tax evasion lawyer near Hackensack, we provide defense for individuals and businesses throughout communities like Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, and Ridgewood. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — all meetings are by appointment only.
Tax Evasion Defense FAQs
What is the difference between tax evasion and tax avoidance?
Yes, there is a critical legal difference. Tax avoidance is the legal use of deductions and credits to minimize tax liability. Tax evasion is the illegal, willful concealment of income or fabrication of deductions to evade paying taxes owed.
Can I go to jail for a mistake on my tax return?
It depends. The IRS must prove you acted “willfully,” meaning with intent to violate a known legal duty. Honest errors, negligence, or reliance on incorrect professional advice typically do not meet this high standard for criminal tax evasion. An IRS criminal charge lawyer Bergen County can argue the lack of willfulness.
What should I do if an IRS criminal investigator contacts me?
Do not speak with them. Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to consult with an attorney. Promptly contact a tax fraud defense lawyer Bergen County. Anything you say can be used against you, and early legal counsel is the most important step to protect your rights.
What are common triggers for an IRS criminal investigation?
Common triggers include consistently underreporting income, operating a cash-intensive business with no records, using offshore accounts to hide assets, claiming false or inflated deductions, and having a lifestyle that appears unsupported by reported income.
Can the IRS seize my assets in Bergen County?
Yes. If you are assessed civil tax liabilities, the IRS can levy bank accounts, garnish wages, and file federal tax liens against your property in Bergen County. In criminal cases, assets connected to the fraud may be subject to forfeiture. A lawyer can challenge improper seizures.
For related legal assistance, see our pages on Bergen County Business Law and Federal Criminal Defense in Bergen County. For a broader view of our services, visit our New Jersey Civil Litigation hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding tax evasion defense.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on tax evasion charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Federal charges are heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey (Newark, Trenton and Camden), not in county court; related state charges are heard in the Criminal Part of the Law Division. In Bergen County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage (2nd Vicinage), 10 Main Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601, telephone (201) 527-2700, open Mon-Fri 8:30AM-4:30PM. Court procedures change; confirm the current schedule on the official vicinage website or with the clerk before you file or appear.
The governing law for this topic is Title 18 of the United States Code and the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles Bergen County matters from its New Jersey location at 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724; meetings are by appointment. Request a New Jersey consultation at (888) 437-7747 or (609) 983-0003.
Related New Jersey pages: Bergen County NJ lawyers directory · Tax Evasion Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Tax Evasion Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.