Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (2024)

Home » Law Library » Criminal Tax Representation FAQ » Is it a crime to make false statements to the IRS?

Home » Is it a crime to make false statements to the IRS?

Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (2)

Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (3)

Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (5)

Table of Contents

    Go To Summary Page

    Lying to a federal officer is a felony in its own right. Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001 makes it a crime to: 1) knowingly and willfully; 2) make any materially false, fictitious or fraudulent statement or representation; 3) in any matter within the jurisdiction of the executive, legislative or judicial branch of the United States. Is a lie you told an IRS agent likely to land you in Jail? Possibly. It often depends upon whether you “attempted” to evade a tax. See IRC §7201. A number of courts have held that if a taxpayer makes false statements to a Treasury agent relating to the fraud in question it helps prove the “attempt” element of attempted tax evasion, which requires an “affirmative act” by the taxpayer. For example, the 11th Circuit explained that “an affirmative act constituting an evasion or attempted evasion of [a] tax occurs when false statements are made to the IRS after the tax was due, and an allegation to that effect satisfies the affirmative act element of the crime.” U.S. v. Winfield, 960 F.2d 970, 973 (11th Cir. 1992).

    « Previous Question

    Next Question »

    Return to Criminal Tax Representation FAQ

    Return to All Questions

    Get a Confidential, Reduced-Rate Consultation

    Client Testimonials

    "I had concerns over a potential tax matter and wanted to speak with an expert. Mr. Klasing was very knowledgeable and helpful, and cleared up my concerns during our consultation. He was very direct and matter of fact, which I appreciated. The consult was well worth it and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking expert guidance on their taxes."

    - AJ S.
    Yelp

    "These guys are amazing !!"

    - EvoProdigyX
    Google Reviews

    "Great service and timely, rang me at the exact appointment time. Gave clear answers and did not magnify or minimize information. Was knowledgeable and effectively communicated tax rules beyond my every day understanding. Well worth the consultation fee."

    - T.J.
    Yelp

    "David was was very helpful and efficient giving us guidance with our tricky tax situation in just one short phone call, which was very quick and easy to schedule. Being able to speak to someone with knowledge and experience in these matters without breaking the bank was wonderful. I highly recommend David Klasing."

    “I recently had an online session with David and I was very happy with his services. He was kind, helpful, and genuine throughout the entire process. David’s knowledge and professionalism were evident, and he went above and beyond to provide me with additional advice beyond what was expected. Being a CPA and a lawyer also gave me confidence in his expertise. I highly recommend David to anyone in need of tax services!”

    - Maureen W.
    Google Reviews

    Mr. Klasing was very straightforward and easy to talk with on the phone. He seems like a very trustworthy individual and is willing to offer solitions and help you solve problems without any pressure to hire him as legal counsel. He does not intimidate or use scare tactics to get you to hire him. -Justin

    - Kendra S.
    Google Reviews

    Thank you, Dave Klasing and Team! We highly recommend this firm. Mr. Klasing was simply excellent along with Suzanne. Mr. Klasing met us late on a Monday night, and when we left we knew we had found a solid attorney and CPA. During the process and at conclusion, he was correct and handled everything for us. We not only recommend his services, but if the need presented itself we would not hesitate to use his firm again. -06/09/2023

    - K. C.
    Google Reviews

    I have a unique tax situation relating to a real estate sale involving a nonresident alien owner. I couldn't find any lawyer or CPA to even point me in the right direction on how best to do things legally and pay little tax as possible. Dave himself has never encountered such a case (he's honest), but he did the digging and found some very useful information for me. Dave was very professional and easy to communicate with. I am pleased with the advice and service I received. -05/07/2020

    - San C.
    Google Reviews

    I needed advice for how to best treat international income, and not only did David squarely and reassuringly address that area of inquiry, but he also guided me through pension consideration and real estate investment considerations that came to mind during the conversation. He was very generous with his time and I would absolutely recommend him for a consultation. No sales talk, just straight advice.

    - Jeffrey C.
    Google Reviews

    Took a chance at a 10 minute consult and was extremely impressed. Atty Klasing, is an honest attorney who gave me great legal advice. Highly recommend for any Tax law question. Mine was about classification of employees and he set me straight. Also, spoke to his assistant James who gave me further info at no extra charge. Nice to see such hard working good-ole boys doing such a great service for the community.

    - Harold B.
    Google Reviews

    Dave was great! I scheduled a meeting with him and he walked me through the process of writing to the IRS to eliminate penalties that they said I owed. I did what he told me to do, and the next letter I got from the IRS told me that they were REFUNDING me over $3,000. Needless to say I was shocked when I got the letter, and if it weren't for Dave, I would have WAY overpaid! Call him now! -05/05/2021

    - Drew S.
    Google Reviews

    I found David after hours of online searching for answers to my growing business and tax law questions and Im so glad I did. As a small business owner and entrepreneur with a myriad of questions I appreciated that he was generous with his time and knowledge. He put me right at ease by answering my questions in a clear and concise manner. He is friendly, helpful, and went above and beyond to also help refer me to several other wonderful advisors. I felt supported and confident leaving our meeting and am definitely going to keep him at the top of my list for all future tax law needs. If you want a team player who will look out for your best interests and who truly cares about his clients, look no further!

    - Christine I.
    Google Reviews

    Took the 10 minute call and got way more than I paid for! David has immediate answers on what I felt were very obscure questions relating to visas, stock options, taxes on equity payouts and more. This just shows how well they know their business. We’re now moving forward with a more formal ongoing relationship for all my international tax needs. Thank you!

    - Daniel T.
    Google Reviews

    View More Reviews

    Tax Law Library

    Business Law

    • Business Purchase, Sales and Dissolutions
    • Employment Tax
    • Online Businesses
    • Car Dealerships Tax Audits
    • Entity Selection

    Tax Law

    • Awards and Settlements
    • Audit Representation
    • Assisting CPAs and Clients With Criminal Tax Exposure Issues
    • Bitcoin / Virtual Currency
    • Business Succession Planning
    • Criminal Tax
    • Divorce Tax
    • Innocent Spouse Relief
    • IRS Appeals
    • Liens Levys and Garnishments
    • Non-Filer Assistance
    • Offer in Compromise
    • Real Estate Professional Status Audits
    • Sales Tax
    • Tax Relief and Resolution
    • Tax Litigation
    • Tax Shelter

    Estate Planning

    • Executor/Trustee Representation
    • Estate and Gift Tax
    • International Estate Planning

    International Tax Law

    • 2011 OVDI
    • FBAR Compliance and Disclosure
    • Foreign Audit
    • International Tax Law
    • 2014 OVDP

    Industry Audit FAQs

    • Construction Company Tax Audits

    Tax Help Videos

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (8)

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (9)

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (10)

    View All Tax Help Videos

    As Featured In

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (11)

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (12)

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (13)

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (14)

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (15)

    Representing Clients from U.S. and International Locations Regarding Federal and California Tax Issues

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (16)

    Main Office

    Orange County

    2601 Main St. Penthouse Suite
    Irvine, CA 92614

    (949) 681-3502

    Our headquarters is located in Irvine, CA. Our beautiful 19,700 office space is staffed full-time and always available for our clients to meet with our highly qualified and experienced staff of Attorneys, Certified Public Accountants and Enrolled Agents. We also offer virtual consultations and can travel to meet with clients in one of our satellite offices.

    Outside of our 4 hour initial consultation option, we do not charge travel time or travel expenses when traveling to one of our Satellite offices, or surrounding business districts, where it is necessary to meet personally with taxing authority personnel, make court appearances, or any in person meeting deemed necessary for the effective representation of a client. To make this as flexible, efficient, and convenient as possible, David W. Klasing is an Instrument Rated Private Pilot and Utilizes the Firms Cirrus SR22 to service client’s in California and in the Southwest by air. Offices outside these areas are serviced via commercial jet airlines. None of these costs are charged to our clients.

    Satellite Offices

    California

    Los Angeles

    (310) 492-5583

    Oxnard

    (760) 338-7035

    Sacramento

    (916) 290-6625

    San Francisco

    (415) 287-6568

    San Bernardino

    (909) 991-7557

    San Diego

    (619) 780-2538

    Bakersfield

    (661) 432-1480

    Panorama City

    (818) 935-6098

    Santa Barbara

    (805) 200-4053

    Oakland

    (510) 764-1020

    San Jose

    (408) 643-0573

    Carlsbad

    (760) 338-7035

    Arizona

    Phoenix

    (602) 975-0296

    New Mexico

    Albuquerque

    (505) 206-5308

    New York

    Manhattan

    (332) 224-8515

    Texas

    Austin

    (512) 828-6646

    Washington, DC

    Washington DC

    (202) 918-9329

    Nevada

    Las Vegas

    (702) 997-6465

    Florida

    Miami

    (786) 999-8406

    Utah

    Salt Lake City

    (385) 501-5934

    Is it a Crime to Make False Statements to the IRS? (2024)
    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Article information

    Author: Greg O'Connell

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6599

    Rating: 4.1 / 5 (62 voted)

    Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Greg O'Connell

    Birthday: 1992-01-10

    Address: Suite 517 2436 Jefferey Pass, Shanitaside, UT 27519

    Phone: +2614651609714

    Job: Education Developer

    Hobby: Cooking, Gambling, Pottery, Shooting, Baseball, Singing, Snowboarding

    Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.