You've been feeling uneasy (perhaps even guilty) because you've failed to report your under the table business income. Perhaps you've never filed a tax return, even though you know you owe money. Finally, you contact an accountant to resolve the situation.
Although it is commendable that you are trying to correct matters, hiring an accountant to do these delinquent returns could be a big mistake. The reason why is because tax evasion is a criminal offence or felony. You might also be subject to civil action.
Would you hire an accountant to defend you in a criminal proceeding? Not likely. You would be wise to hire a qualified attorney.
First of all, lawyers have something called solicitor-client privilege (also known as attorney-client privilege or legal advice privilege). This basically means that things you tell your lawyer when seeking legal advice are confidential and can't be used against you. Even written records can be covered by this privilege.
On the other hand, your accountant can be compelled to testify against you and all records in his possession can be demanded by the authorities.
Second, your lawyer can prepare a legally binding agreement that can protect you. In return for your coming clean, the tax authorities may agree not to charge you criminally and, in some cases, even reduce penalties or tax liability.
If your accountant tried to do the same thing, they could demand all information about you. Your accountant would not be protected by solicitor-client privilege.
If, say, your accountant filed your tax return from ten years ago on your behalf, the tax authorities could still charge you with tax evasion, despite the fact that you are obviously trying to rectify matters (albeit a bit late).
It is even possible that your accountant could get into trouble for failing to report your delinquency. On the other hand, your lawyer can't be compelled to testify against you, being protected by solicitor-client privilege. Your lawyer may also have his own in-house accountant in order to protect you.
Your lawyer (specializing in criminal and tax law) will likely negotiate an agreement with the tax authorities before filing any tax returns.
Therefore, if there is a good chance you could be charged criminally for your failure to file tax returns or properly report income or expenses, don't see your accountant. Instead, consult a lawyer specializing in such matters before you file or amend any returns.
RESOURCE BOX:
J. Stephen Pope, President of Pope Consulting Inc., has been helping clients to earn maximum business profits for over twenty-five years.
For profitable Work at Home Small Business Ideas, visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/
To learn more about income taxes, visit http://www.yenommarketinginc.com/
bmw rental chicago Bensenville .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareNo one likes paying tax. Everyone understands that tax is... Read More
At the present time a company incorporated in the Isle... Read More
If you paid someone to care for a child so... Read More
Excerpted from the new book, "How to Do Space Age... Read More
One way to maximize your business profits is by reducing... Read More
Taxpayers have two easy and convenient options for getting copies... Read More
You've been feeling uneasy (perhaps even guilty) because you've failed... Read More
Do you realize that some tax forms ask you to... Read More
Choosing the right tax preparer for your business is a... Read More
Hit a big one? With more and more gambling establishments,... Read More
Marketing is a necessary expense in running practically any business... Read More
Six Urban Myths ? Taxation"I am proud to be paying... Read More
Newlyweds and the recently divorced should make sure that names... Read More
Most people look forward to getting their tax return, but... Read More
Self-assessment relies on taxpayers voluntarily meeting their tax obligations. This... Read More
Strategic planning throughout the year results in a minimal tax... Read More
"Depreciation." For business owners, this word is the one most... Read More
In the latest Star Wars episode, the evil empire executes... Read More
Adding Your First Additional Stream of IncomeMost new wealth builders... Read More
April 15th looms in front of most people every year... Read More
In trying to comply with tax laws for your e-business,... Read More
You're at your office, or home, and the doorbell rings... Read More
As we enter mid-March, taxpayers begin to become very interested... Read More
Whether helping the kids with a down payment on their... Read More
Many Americans believe that an IRS debt is a debt... Read More
Breese limo service at o'hare ..The IRS has obtained civil injunctions against more than 100... Read More
Deducting Your Auto ExpensesAuto deductions are a very complex topic.... Read More
No one likes paying tax. Everyone understands that tax is... Read More
Strategic planning throughout the year results in a minimal tax... Read More
Should I take wages or dividends from my privately owned... Read More
Import duties continue to be significant elements in the cost... Read More
To tax or not to tax - this question could... Read More
Once a year Canadian taxpayers are required, by law, to... Read More
As your business grows, you are going to need help.... Read More
When buying a business, how the "purchase price" is made... Read More
How about a Tax Tip?As we all know Taxes are... Read More
A Federal Tax Lien (FTL) is a legal instrument that... Read More
Just image, you are a small manufacturing company, business has... Read More
Does your incorporated business pay alternative minimum tax ["AMT]? If... Read More
We all love to criticize the IRS, don't we? And... Read More
Excerpted from the new book, "How to Do Space Age... Read More
Managing a business small, medium or big requires you to... Read More
Ever wish that, as a business owner, you knew exactly... Read More
As a small business owner, it's wise to familiarize yourself... Read More
Millions of people file tax return extensions every year. The... Read More
On June 3, 2005, the IRS released guidance on charitable... Read More
For many business owners the answer to this quandary is... Read More
QUESTION: I have been contacted by my local city... Read More
As an employer, you must pay employment taxes if you... Read More
As everyone in the U.S. knows, we have just passed... Read More
Tax |