Obstructing Tax Administration Lawyer Bergen County — Defending Against IRS Obstruction Charges
Obstructing tax administration in Bergen County is a serious federal offense under 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a), carrying severe penalties. If you are under investigation by the IRS or facing an IRS obstruction charge, you need an experienced obstructing tax administration lawyer Bergen County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | 26 U.S.C. § 7212
What Is Obstructing Tax Administration Under Federal Law?
Obstructing tax administration, often called “tax obstruction,” is a federal crime defined under 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a). The statute makes it illegal to corruptly or by force obstruct or impede the due administration of the Internal Revenue laws. This is a broad charge that can encompass a wide range of conduct beyond simply lying on a tax return. It is a felony punishable by up to three years in federal prison and substantial fines. The charge is often brought alongside other tax crimes like tax evasion or filing false returns, significantly increasing the potential penalties. An experienced obstructing tax administration lawyer Bergen County is essential to handle the details of federal tax court and the investigative tactics of the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI).
External Legal Resources
- 26 U.S.C. § 7212 – Attempts to interfere with administration of internal revenue laws (Official U.S. Code via Cornell Law School)
- Superior Court of New Jersey, Bergen Vicinage (Official Court Website)
Local Defense Strategy for Bergen County Federal Tax Cases
Federal tax investigations in New Jersey are typically handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, with cases heard in the Newark or Camden federal courthouses. For Bergen County residents, this means your defense must be coordinated with an understanding of the local federal prosecutors’ strategies. The IRS-CI agents conducting the investigation are highly focused. A key local procedural fact is that many obstruction cases begin with an audit or civil inquiry before escalating to a criminal investigation. Early intervention by a skilled tax obstruction defense lawyer Bergen County is critical to prevent a civil matter from becoming a criminal indictment.
- Secure Immediate Legal Representation: If you are contacted by the IRS or served with a subpoena, do not speak to agents without your attorney present. Contact our firm as early as possible.
- Case Assessment & Investigation: We will conduct a thorough review of all communications, financial records, and IRS notices to understand the scope of the allegation.
- Strategic Communication: We manage all contact with the IRS and U.S. Attorney’s Office, aiming to resolve the matter before an indictment is sought.
- Motion Practice & Defense: If charged, we file pre-trial motions to challenge the evidence and seek dismissal or suppression of improperly obtained information.
- Trial or Negotiation: We prepare a vigorous defense for trial while simultaneously negotiating for a favorable plea agreement or diversion program if it serves your best interests.
- Sentencing Mitigation: If a conviction occurs, we present powerful mitigation arguments to the court to seek the most lenient sentence possible under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
Potential Penalties for Obstructing Tax Administration
In Bergen County, a federal conviction for obstructing tax administration under 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a) carries a maximum penalty of 3 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000 for individuals ($500,000 for corporations).
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstructing Tax Administration (26 U.S.C. § 7212(a)) | Federal Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $250,000 | Cost of prosecution, probation, permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Federal Tax Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a unique combination of prosecutorial insight and aggressive defense strategy to every case. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, and we have handled 4,739+ documented case results. We understand the high-stakes pressure of federal investigations and are prepared to defend your rights and your future against an IRS obstruction charge.
Documented Case Results
While specific results for tax obstruction cases are confidential, our firm’s approach to federal charges is demonstrated by our record. Firm-wide, we have achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. These results include dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and favorable plea negotiations in state and federal courts across multiple jurisdictions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New Jersey Location — 44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
By appointment only.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We are your local obstructing tax administration lawyer Bergen County resource.
Frequently Asked Questions: Obstructing Tax Administration Charges
What actions can lead to an IRS obstruction charge?
It depends. The statute is broad. Common examples include: destroying financial records, lying to IRS auditors, submitting falsified documents, intimidating a witness, or concealing assets. Even attempting to influence another person to provide false information to the IRS can constitute obstruction. An IRS obstruction charge lawyer Bergen County can analyze whether your specific conduct meets the legal elements of the crime.
Can I be charged with obstruction if I didn’t file a false tax return?
Yes. You can be charged with obstructing tax administration even if your underlying tax filings were accurate. The charge focuses on impeding the IRS’s function, not necessarily on the tax deficiency itself. For instance, hiding documents during an audit or misleading an agent can trigger the charge independently.
What is the difference between tax evasion and tax obstruction?
Tax evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201) involves a willful attempt to evade or defeat a tax. Tax obstruction (26 U.S.C. § 7212) involves corruptly obstructing the IRS’s administrative process. Obstruction is often easier for prosecutors to prove as it doesn’t require proving an actual tax deficiency, only an obstructive act with corrupt intent. They are frequently charged together.
Should I speak to IRS agents if they contact me?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to consult with your lawyer. Any statement you make can be used against you. Promptly contact a tax obstruction defense lawyer Bergen County like those at SRIS, P.C.
What are the possible defenses to an obstruction charge?
Potential defenses include lack of corrupt intent, demonstrating the act was not obstructive, challenging the legality of the IRS’s investigation, or proving you acted on advice of counsel. The best defense strategy is highly fact-specific and requires a detailed analysis by an experienced federal defense attorney.
Related Practice Areas: If you are facing other federal allegations, our firm also provides defense for Federal Criminal charges in Bergen County. For state-level matters, see our page for Criminal Defense in Bergen County, NJ.
Statewide Resource: For more information on federal defense in New Jersey, visit our New Jersey Federal Criminal Lawyer hub page.
Neighboring Assistance: We also assist clients in nearby jurisdictions like Morris County and Somerset County.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding an obstructing tax administration charge.
The same rules apply outside Bergen County, and our page on obstructing tax administration charges across New Jersey walks through each stage.
Your case in Bergen County, New Jersey
Immigration matters are federal: removal cases for New Jersey residents are heard at the Newark Immigration Court and applications are decided by USCIS. County criminal charges that can affect immigration status 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 the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. 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 · Obstructing Tax Administration Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Obstructing Tax Administration Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.