Income Tax Fraud Lawyer in Pittsburgh, PA
As the April tax deadline approaches, ensuring your tax filings are accurate is crucial. Even small mistakes—like a missing zero, a misplaced comma, or an unreported source of income—can lead to serious consequences. Beyond audits, penalties, and fines, you could even face criminal charges for income tax fraud.
Both the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the IRS take tax fraud seriously. If they suspect you are intentionally avoiding payment, they will pursue penalties to the fullest extent of the law.
Contact a Pittsburgh fraud defense attorney immediately if you’re under investigation or facing tax fraud accusations. At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, we can help protect your rights and build a strong defense. Call (412) 281-2146 today for a free consultation.
Common Types of Income Tax Fraud in Pennsylvania
There are several actions that could lead to tax fraud charges, including:
- Underreporting your income
- Not reporting certain types of taxable income, such as wages from a second job
- Taking deductions you are not entitled to
- Claiming personal or business expenses you did not incur
- Not declaring assets you owned or sold during the relevant fiscal year
- Not reporting or underreporting interest earned on income and assets
In order for an action to be tax fraud, it must have been intentional and for the purposes of retaining or receiving funds to which you did not have a right.
Pennsylvania’s Income Tax Fraud Laws & Penalties
Under Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Code, taxpayers must accurately report their income and pay the correct amount in taxes. If you fail to do so, you may face both financial penalties and criminal charges.
Financial Penalties for Tax Fraud in PA
- 5%–25% additional tax for underreporting income.
- 50% penalty of any underpayment due to fraud.
Criminal Charges for Tax Fraud
- Filing a fraudulent tax return – Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 3 years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
- Other fraudulent tax activities – Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 1 year in prison and a $1,000 fine.
- Theft from the state government – Can result in additional misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the amount involved.
Could You Face Federal Tax Fraud Charges?
If your tax filing contains false or misleading information, you may also face federal charges. Under 26 U.S. Code § 7206, providing false tax information with the intent to defraud can result in:
- Felony charges
- Up to 3 years in federal prison
- Fines up to $100,000
- Additional penalties of up to 75% of the fraudulent underpayment
Even if your case starts as a state tax issue, federal agencies may investigate further—especially if large sums or repeated offenses are involved.
Fraud is Not the Same as Negligence
A key distinction in tax fraud cases is intent. An honest mistake won’t lead to criminal charges, but an intentional act to evade taxes will.
- Negligence: A simple mistake (such as miscalculating income) may lead to fines or additional taxes, but not criminal charges.
- Fraud: If prosecutors prove you intentionally misled the government, you may face criminal prosecution.
To secure a conviction, prosecutors must prove you knowingly committed fraud—not just that an error occurred.
Defenses Against Income Tax Fraud Charges
If you’re accused of tax fraud, a skilled Pittsburgh tax fraud defense attorney can help. Some common defenses include:
- Lack of intent – Demonstrating that your mistake was accidental, not fraudulent.
- Unawareness of errors – Showing that you were unaware of the incorrect information (for example, if an accountant, spouse, or business partner was responsible).
- Corrective action taken – Proving that you took immediate steps to correct the issue upon discovering the mistake.
At Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC, we have extensive experience handling both Pennsylvania and federal tax fraud cases. We’ll fight to protect your future.
Contact a Pittsburgh Income Tax Fraud Attorney Today
Income tax fraud charges can have life-altering consequences. Whether you’re facing a state or federal investigation, you need an experienced defense attorney to help fight the charges. Our criminal defense attorneys are here to help. We will analyze your situation and build the strongest defense available under state and federal law.
Call Worgul, Sarna & Ness, Criminal Defense Attorneys, LLC today at (412) 281-2146 to schedule a free initial consultation.