Failure to File a Tax Return Lawyer Burlington County — IRS Investigation Defense
Facing an IRS investigation for failure to file a tax return in Burlington County is a serious federal tax crime. The IRS can impose severe penalties, including substantial fines and potential imprisonment. If you have not filed required returns, you need immediate legal help from a failure to file a tax return lawyer Burlington County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
What Is Failure to File a Tax Return?
Failure to file a tax return is a federal offense under 26 U.S.C. § 7203. This statute makes it a crime to willfully fail to file an income tax return, supply required information, or pay a tax when due. In New Jersey, the IRS and state authorities aggressively pursue these cases. The willful element is key—the government must prove you intentionally chose not to file, not that you merely forgot or made an error.
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Understanding the law is critical. You can review the federal statute at the U.S. Code, Title 26, Section 7203. For local court procedures in Burlington County, visit the New Jersey Courts website for the Burlington Vicinage.
Burlington County IRS Investigation Process
An IRS investigation in Burlington County often begins with a notice or an audit. The process can escalate to a criminal referral to the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (CID). In the Burlington Vicinage, federal tax cases are prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey. Our insider knowledge of local IRS and court procedures is important for building an effective defense strategy.
- Receive IRS Notice: You may get a CP59 notice or an audit letter.
- Consult an Attorney Immediately: Do not speak to IRS agents without legal counsel.
- Voluntary Disclosure Analysis: Your lawyer will assess if a voluntary disclosure to correct past filings is your best option.
- Investigation Response: Your attorney will manage all communication and document production with the IRS.
- Negotiation or Litigation: Work to resolve the matter civilly or prepare a vigorous criminal defense.
Potential Penalties for Failure to File
In Burlington County, failure to file a tax return is a federal misdemeanor but can lead to felony charges if combined with fraud, carrying penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and one year in prison per count.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Failure to File (Misdemeanor) | Federal Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year | Up to $25,000 ($100,000 for corporations) | Civil penalties, interest, prosecution costs |
| Tax Evasion (Felony) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $100,000 | Asset forfeiture, permanent criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Tax Defense
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to federal tax matters. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a unique advantage in dissecting financial evidence and IRS procedures. We approach every IRS investigation lawyer Burlington County case with a detailed, strategic defense focused on protecting your freedom and financial future.
Our Approach to IRS Defense Cases
We have a documented record of providing strong legal defense in contested matters. While specific results are not shared, our firm-wide focus is on aggressive, informed representation. We meticulously analyze the IRS’s case for weaknesses, challenge the element of “willfulness,” and explore all options—from voluntary disclosure programs to negotiated settlements and trial defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Burlington County Tax Crime Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Burlington County, including Mount Holly, Mount Laurel, and Moorestown. We are accessible from major highways like the NJ Turnpike and I-295.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
FAQs: Failure to File & IRS Investigations
What should I do if I haven’t filed taxes in years?
Contact a failure to file a tax return lawyer Burlington County as early as possible. Do not wait for the IRS to contact you. An attorney can help you use the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice or other programs to become compliant while minimizing criminal exposure.
Can I go to jail for not filing a tax return?
Yes. Willful failure to file is a crime punishable by up to one year in prison per unfiled return. If the IRS alleges fraud or tax evasion, penalties increase to felony levels with up to five years imprisonment. An IRS investigation lawyer Burlington County is essential to fight these charges.
What’s the difference between an audit and a criminal investigation?
An IRS audit is a civil review of your tax liability. A criminal investigation, conducted by the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (CID), seeks evidence for prosecution. If you are under criminal investigation, you will likely be contacted by special agents, not revenue agents. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney—exercise both immediately.
How can a tax crime defense lawyer Burlington County help me?
A defense attorney protects your rights, handles all communication with the IRS, analyzes the evidence for weaknesses, and builds a legal strategy. This may involve negotiating a civil resolution, pursuing a voluntary disclosure, or preparing a vigorous defense at trial to challenge the allegation of willfulness.
What are the penalties for filing a false return?
Filing a false return (26 U.S.C. § 7206(1)) is a felony with penalties of up to three years in prison and a $100,000 fine per count. This is separate from, and often more severe than, failure-to-file charges. A skilled defense lawyer is critical in these contested cases.
Related Legal Services in Burlington County
If you are facing other legal challenges, our firm provides full representation. You may also need a Burlington County business lawyer for entity issues or a Burlington County federal criminal defense lawyer for other federal charges. For more information on our tax defense practice, visit our New Jersey civil litigation hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Tax laws and IRS procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding failure to file a tax return in Burlington County.
For the full picture beyond Burlington County, our page on failure to file a tax return cases in New Jersey covers the process end to end.
Your case in Burlington 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 Burlington County that is the Superior Court of NJ, Burlington Vicinage (8th Vicinage), 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060, telephone (609) 518-2500, 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 Burlington 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: Burlington County NJ lawyers directory · Failure to File a Tax Return Lawyer Bergen County, NJ · Failure to File a Tax Return Lawyer Hudson County, NJ · Failure to File a Tax Return Lawyer Monmouth County, NJ.