Tax Evasion Attorney in Knoxville, TN
Allegations of tax evasion can carry serious legal consequences, including significant fines, asset seizure, and even prison time. If you are being investigated or have been charged with tax evasion by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Tennessee Department of Revenue (TDOR), it is critical to have skilled legal representation. At Easter & DeVore, we provide aggressive and strategic defense for individuals and businesses in the Knoxville, TN area facing tax evasion charges.
What Is Tax Evasion?
Tax evasion is the deliberate attempt to avoid paying taxes owed by underreporting income, inflating deductions, hiding assets, or failing to file tax returns altogether. It is considered a criminal offense under both federal and state law. The key factor that differentiates tax evasion from civil tax issues is intent—prosecutors must prove that the taxpayer willfully attempted to avoid their legal obligations.
Common examples of tax evasion include:
- Failing to report income from self-employment or side jobs
- Claiming false or inflated deductions
- Using offshore accounts to hide assets
- Filing false tax returns
- Structuring transactions to avoid tax reporting thresholds
The penalties for tax evasion are steep, and a conviction can lead to substantial fines, interest, repayment of taxes owed, and up to five years in federal prison for each count.
IRS and TDOR Investigations
Tax evasion investigations can begin in several ways, including:
- Random audits that uncover suspicious activity
- Whistleblower tips
- Red flags from tax return inconsistencies
- Information sharing between agencies
If the IRS or TDOR suspects criminal conduct, they may refer your case to the Criminal Investigation Division (CID). You may be interviewed by agents or receive requests for documentation. It is vital not to answer questions or provide records without first consulting an experienced tax attorney.
At Easter & DeVore, we work quickly to assess the scope of the investigation, protect your rights, and develop a defense strategy. Our goal is to resolve the matter before formal charges are filed when possible.
Defending Against Tax Evasion Charges
Successfully defending against tax evasion requires demonstrating a lack of criminal intent or showing that any errors were accidental, not willful. In many cases, taxpayers may have made honest mistakes due to poor recordkeeping, misunderstanding complex tax laws, or reliance on incorrect professional advice.
Our firm works to:
- Review and analyze financial records
- Identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
- Negotiate with the IRS or TDOR to resolve matters civilly
- Present evidence to support the absence of willful wrongdoing
We represent clients in both pre-indictment investigations and post-indictment criminal proceedings, always focused on minimizing legal exposure and protecting long-term interests.
Contact Easter & DeVore
If you are under investigation for or have been charged with tax evasion in the Knoxville, TN area, don’t wait to get legal help. The consequences of inaction can be severe. Contact Easter & DeVore today to schedule a confidential consultation and begin building a strong defense with trusted legal counsel by your side.
