Tax Fraud Lawyer Bergen County — What Are Your Defense Options?
Tax fraud charges in Bergen County are serious federal or state offenses prosecuted under 26 U.S.C. § 7201 and N.J.S.A. Title 54, carrying severe penalties. A conviction can result in years in federal prison, substantial fines, and permanent financial consequences. If you are under investigation or charged, you need a strategic defense from a seasoned tax fraud lawyer Bergen County.
Understanding Tax Fraud Charges in New Jersey
Last verified: April 2026 | Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage | New Jersey Legislature
Tax fraud involves willfully attempting to evade or defeat a tax, filing a false return, or failing to file a return with the intent to defraud the government. In New Jersey, charges can originate from both federal agencies like the IRS Criminal Investigation Division (IRS-CI) and state authorities like the New Jersey Division of Taxation. Federal tax fraud is prosecuted in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, while state charges are handled in the Superior Court of NJ, Bergen Vicinage. The statutes define specific elements the prosecution must prove, including willfulness—a deliberate, intentional violation of a known legal duty.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of federal tax fraud statutes, see 26 U.S.C. § 7201 (official U.S. Code). For New Jersey tax laws, refer to the New Jersey Legislature’s official statutes under Title 54.
handling a Tax Fraud Case in Bergen County
Facing a tax fraud investigation is a high-stakes process. The key local procedural fact is that federal cases for Bergen County residents are typically investigated by IRS-CI agents from the Newark Field Office and presented to a federal grand jury. If indicted, your case will be heard in the Newark or Camden division of U.S. District Court. For state charges, the New Jersey Division of Taxation investigates and refers cases to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office for presentation to the state grand jury.
- Initial Investigation: You may be contacted by an IRS revenue agent (civil) or a special agent (criminal). Do not speak to them without your attorney present.
- Criminal Referral: If the IRS-CI or state tax division believes a crime occurred, they prepare a special agent report for the U.S. Attorney’s Office or County Prosecutor.
- Grand Jury: Prosecutors present evidence to a secret grand jury to secure an indictment.
- Arraignment & Plea: After indictment, you will be arraigned in federal or state court and enter a plea.
- Discovery & Motions: Your defense attorney will review all evidence and file motions to challenge the prosecution’s case.
- Resolution: The case may be resolved through negotiation, a pre-trial diversion program, or proceed to trial.
Potential Penalties for Tax Fraud
In Bergen County, a tax fraud conviction carries severe penalties including federal prison time, fines often exceeding the tax owed, and costly restitution.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tax Evasion (26 U.S.C. § 7201) | Federal Felony | Up to 5 years per count | Up to $100,000 ($500,000 for corporations) | Cost of prosecution, restitution, probation |
| Filing a False Return (26 U.S.C. § 7206) | Federal Felony | Up to 3 years per count | Up to $100,000 | Restitution, probation, permanent felony record |
| Failure to File/Pay (State – N.J.S.A. 54:52-10) | State Crime | Up to 5 years | Up to $15,000 | Civil penalties, interest, loss of professional licenses |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Tax Fraud Defense
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to your defense. Our background in accounting and information systems provides a unique advantage in dissecting complex financial evidence and transactions central to tax fraud cases. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a deep understanding of how to effectively handle and influence legal systems. We approach each case with a commitment to vigorous, strategic defense.
Our Approach to Tax Fraud Defense
While specific local case counts for tax fraud are not publicly disclosed due to the sensitive nature of these federal and state investigations, our firm-wide record across all practice areas includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We apply this rigorous, results-oriented approach to white-collar defense. Our defense strategies for a fraud charge in Bergen County may include challenging the element of “willfulness,” negotiating with prosecutors pre-indictment, pursuing alternative resolutions like the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Practice, or mounting an aggressive trial defense.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Bergen County Tax Fraud Defense Lawyers
Our New Jersey location serves clients throughout Bergen County, including Hackensack, Fort Lee, Teaneck, Paramus, Englewood, Ridgewood, Fair Lawn, Bergenfield, Garfield, Mahwah, Ramsey, and Lyndhurst. We are accessible via I-80, the NJ Turnpike, and Route 17.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — New Jersey
44 Apple St, 1st Floor
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (609)-983-0003
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations available.
Tax Fraud Defense FAQs
What is the difference between tax fraud and a simple mistake?
Yes, there is a major difference. Tax fraud requires the prosecution to prove “willfulness”—a deliberate, intentional violation of a known legal duty. An honest mistake, miscalculation, or negligence does not constitute fraud. A skilled white collar crime defense lawyer Bergen County can help demonstrate the absence of willful intent.
Can I go to jail for not filing my taxes?
It depends. While failure to file is a crime, incarceration is not automatic. The IRS and state must prove willfulness. Penalties often involve fines and restitution. An experienced tax fraud lawyer Bergen County can negotiate to avoid jail time, especially for first-time offenders or those who come into compliance.
What should I do if the IRS contacts me for an audit?
Do not speak to the agent without your attorney present. Politely take their information and contact a lawyer immediately. An audit can become a criminal investigation. Early legal guidance from a tax fraud lawyer Bergen County is crucial to protect your rights and shape the direction of the inquiry.
What defenses are available against tax fraud charges?
Several defenses may apply, including lack of willfulness, reliance on a qualified tax professional, the statute of limitations has expired, or the evidence was obtained through an illegal search. A thorough case analysis by a fraud charge defense lawyer Bergen County is needed to identify the best defense strategy.
Does New Jersey have its own tax fraud laws?
Yes. New Jersey enforces its own tax laws under Title 54 of the state statutes. You can face separate state charges from the New Jersey Division of Taxation also to any federal charges. A lawyer experienced in both federal and New Jersey law is essential.
Related Pages: For other serious charges, see our Bergen County criminal defense lawyer page or our federal criminal defense overview. For a broader view, visit our New Jersey criminal defense hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance.
Attorney responsible for this advertisement: Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., 44 Apple St 1st Floor, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724.