Obstructing Tax Administration Lawyer Anne Arundel County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Obstructing tax administration in Anne Arundel County is a serious federal offense under 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a), carrying up to 3 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. If you are under investigation by the IRS or facing an IRS obstruction charge, you need an experienced tax obstruction defense lawyer Anne Arundel County. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: March 2026 | U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland | Maryland General Assembly
What Is Obstructing Tax Administration?
Obstructing or impeding the due administration of the Internal Revenue laws is a federal felony defined under 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a). This statute makes it a crime to corruptly or by force, or threat of force, obstruct or impede, or endeavor to obstruct or impede, the administration of the Internal Revenue Code. The law is broad and can cover a wide range of conduct beyond just physical interference. An obstructing tax administration lawyer Anne Arundel County understands that charges often stem from actions during an audit, investigation, or collection proceeding.
Common examples that can lead to an IRS obstruction charge include:
- Destroying, altering, or concealing financial records or books.
- Filing false or fraudulent documents with the IRS.
- Providing misleading information to an IRS agent.
- Intimidating or threatening an IRS employee.
- Hiding assets to avoid levy or seizure.
- Structuring financial transactions to avoid reporting requirements.
The key element is acting “corruptly,” which means acting with the intent to secure an unlawful benefit for oneself or another. This is a specific intent crime, and the government must prove it beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Initial Contact & Investigation: The IRS-CI or a federal grand jury begins an investigation, often triggered by an audit discrepancy or a whistleblower.
- Target Letter or Interview: You may receive a target letter or be asked for an interview (Summons). Do not speak to agents without your lawyer present.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: The prosecutor presents evidence to a grand jury in Greenbelt or Baltimore to secure an indictment.
- Arraignment: If indicted, you will be arraigned in U.S. District Court, enter a plea, and have bail conditions set.
- Pre-Trial Motions & Discovery: Your attorney files motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges and reviews all discovery from the government.
- Plea Negotiation or Trial: Most cases resolve through negotiation. If not, the case proceeds to a jury trial in federal court.
Penalties for Obstructing Tax Administration in Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, a conviction for obstructing tax administration under 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a) is a felony punishable by up to 3 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 for individuals ($500,000 for corporations), and the costs of prosecution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Obstructing Tax Administration (26 U.S.C. § 7212(a)) | Felony | Up to 3 years | Up to $250,000 | Costs of prosecution, supervised release, permanent felony record, loss of professional licenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in Federal Tax Defense
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex federal cases. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney and a former prosecutor, personally leads on intricate federal criminal defense matters, including those involving tax obstruction. His background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in dissecting financial evidence and challenging the government’s case. We approach every IRS obstruction charge with a detailed, case-specific strategy.
Case Results & Client Advocacy
While specific local results for this charge are not disclosed, our firm-wide record includes over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We defend clients at all levels, from initial IRS contact through federal indictment and trial. Mr. Sris provides valuable strategic consultation on complex federal matters, ensuring each case benefits from deep, experienced analysis.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Obstructing Tax Administration Lawyer Near Anne Arundel County
Our Maryland office represents clients in Anne Arundel County facing federal tax charges. We serve Annapolis, Glen Burnie, Severna Park, Crofton, Odenton, Pasadena, Arnold, Gambrills, and Millersville.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Rockville/MD Location — Montgomery County area (by appointment)
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (301) 363-4040
24/7 phone consultations — meetings by appointment only.
FAQs: Obstructing Tax Administration Charges in Anne Arundel County
What does “corruptly” mean in an IRS obstruction charge?
It depends. In 26 U.S.C. § 7212(a), acting “corruptly” means acting with the specific intent to gain an unlawful benefit or advantage for oneself or another. It is more than making a mistake; it requires a purposeful attempt to impede the IRS. An obstructing tax administration lawyer Anne Arundel County can challenge whether the government can prove this specific intent.
Can I be charged if I just gave the IRS wrong information by accident?
No. A simple mistake or negligence is not enough for a conviction. The charge requires proof of corrupt intent. However, repeated false statements or a pattern of deception can be used as evidence of intent. An experienced tax obstruction defense lawyer Anne Arundel County will distinguish between error and intentional obstruction.
What is the difference between tax evasion and obstruction?
Tax evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201) involves an affirmative act to evade assessment or payment of a tax. Obstruction (26 U.S.C. § 7212(a)) involves impeding the IRS’s administrative process itself. They are separate crimes, but you can be charged with both if your actions to evade tax also obstruct the IRS’s work. Defenses differ for each.
Should I talk to the IRS if they contact me about an investigation?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Anything you say can be used against you. Politely decline to answer questions and state you wish to consult with your lawyer. Contact a tax obstruction defense lawyer Anne Arundel County immediately for guidance before any interaction.
What are common defenses to an obstruction charge?
Common defenses include lack of corrupt intent, mistake, reliance on the advice of a tax professional, that the conduct was not obstructive, or challenging the legality of the IRS’s underlying investigation. A skilled obstructing tax administration lawyer Anne Arundel County will analyze the facts to identify the strongest defense strategy.
If you are under investigation or charged with obstructing tax administration in Anne Arundel County, do not wait. Contact our Maryland federal criminal defense team for a confidential case review. We also represent clients in related matters like DUI and business law.
Last verified: March 2026. The information on this page is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. The law changes. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your situation.