Accused of Tax Evasion or Facing Criminal Tax Charges?

If the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) suspects that you have intentionally avoided paying taxes, you could face serious consequences including criminal prosecution.

Tax evasion charges are not just about owing money. They involve allegations of fraud and dishonesty, and the penalties can include heavy fines, asset seizures, and even jail time.

If you are being investigated by the CRA’s Criminal Investigations Directorate or have been charged with tax evasion, it’s critical to get experienced legal representation immediately from a Toronto tax lawyer who understands CRA criminal investigations.

Early Intervention Matters

If CRA believes you have engaged in tax evasion, they may:

• Conduct a criminal investigation (separate from an audit);
• Execute search warrants to seize documents, computers, and records; and
• Interview third parties, such as banks, accountants, or former business partners.

Anything you say or provide can be used against you. Early legal intervention can protect your rights and potentially stop charges from proceeding.

Common Tax Evasion Issues

Tax evasion charges often involve allegations such as:

• Failing to report income (domestic or offshore);
• Claiming false deductions or expenses;
• Hiding assets or income in foreign jurisdictions;
• Using nominee or offshore structures to conceal ownership; or
• Creating false invoices or bookkeeping records.

Even if no charges have been laid yet, if you are contacted by CRA criminal investigators, it’s time to get legal advice, not to speak directly to CRA.

How We Help

At Kirshen Tax Law, we act quickly to:

• Review CRA allegations and the evidence against you;
• Advise you on your rights during the investigation;
• Handle all communication with CRA and other authorities;
• Negotiate with CRA investigators and Department of Justice prosecutors where possible; and
• Develop strong legal and factual defences if charges are laid.

While we handle all aspects of criminal tax defence, we’re also prepared to collaborate with trusted criminal counsel when necessary to give you every possible advantage.

CRA Criminal Investigations vs. Civil Audits

It’s important to understand the difference:

• CRA auditors are focused on collecting taxes and may reassess you civilly.
• CRA criminal investigators are building a case for prosecution, not just reassessment.

If your audit has escalated into a criminal investigation, your legal rights change and you need to be represented immediately.

Why Work with Kirshen Tax Law?

We know how CRA investigations work and we know how to protect you.

At Kirshen Tax Law, we:

• Defend individuals and businesses under investigation for tax evasion and fraud;
• Manage voluntary disclosures when appropriate to avoid criminal charges;
• Challenge the CRA’s evidence and legal basis for proceeding; and
• Aim to resolve matters quickly and confidentially whenever possible.

Our goal is to protect your freedom, your finances, and your future.

Proven Results: Criminal Tax Defence

We have successfully resolved serious CRA investigations before charges were laid, protecting our clients from criminal records and public prosecution.

See examples of successful criminal tax defence here.

Book a Free Consultation

If you are being investigated for tax evasion, facing criminal charges, or worried about your CRA audit escalating into a criminal matter, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Toronto tax lawyer.

At Kirshen Tax Law, we’ll explain your rights clearly, outline your options, and defend you at every step.