Tax season stresses many Houston residents, and the fear of making mistakes leads to confusion about tax laws. The IRS office in Houston reported a 30% rise in tax violation cases last year, with many people mixing up tax fraud and tax evasion. These two terms mean...
Fraud
What to do if authorities charge you with insider trading
Facing insider trading charges in Texas can be scary. But don't worry. Knowing your legal options and taking the proper steps can help you handle this challenging situation. Know what you're up against Insider trading means buying or selling stocks using material,...
What is the role of forensic accounting in fraud investigations?
Facing fraud charges can be daunting and overwhelming. With the stakes high and the impacts can be severe, it is vital to have a defense strategy in place. If you are facing a fraud charge, do you know about the role of forensic accounting in defending against fraud?...
Two Texas doctors facing healthcare fraud charges
Health care fraud in Texas comes with serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. This is scary, since given the complexities of the U.S. health care system, a simple mistake in any part of the process could lead to a fraud charge. Two Texas doctors were...
Texas eye doctor charged with health care fraud
The American health care system is notoriously complicated, with billing going back and forth between patients, care providers, private insurers and government agencies. This complexity can lead to mistakes. It can also provide room for fraud. Texas doctor indicted...
Houston woman charged with CARES Act fraud
The recent pandemic prompted Congress to enact legislation that is intended to provide financial relief to businesses that were especially hard-hit by the widespread disease. One of those statutes, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act),...
Harris County sues title company alleging many incidents of fraud
The sale of a residence can become a complex legal transaction and a fertile field for fraud. Harris County has recently sued a local title company, Patriot Title, alleging numerous acts of fraud perpetrated mostly against elderly people and others who cannot afford...
Understanding theft by check in Texas
A person who writes a bad check can face serious penalties in Texas. State law refers to this act as “theft by check.” The criminal charge requires the intent to defraud another person or entity, usually a business. Proving theft by check To find a person guilty of...
Penalties and potential defenses for accounting fraud
If a person is accused of accounting fraud, they may need information about potential penalties and defenses. Accounting fraud refers to a person who has intentionally manipulated financial statements, records or books to deceive others. It may involve defrauding...
Is fudging a little on your tax return a federal crime?
Under U.S. law, we all must file a federal income tax return every year and pay what we owe in income taxes. If you are afraid you cannot afford to pay what you owe, it may be tempting to fudge a little on your tax return or simply not file a return at all. Doing so,...