Tax Evasion Attorney in Plano

Protecting Your Future When Tax Problems Turn Criminal

If you are worried that a tax audit or unpaid tax issue is turning into something criminal, you are not alone. Allegations of tax evasion can threaten your freedom, your career, and your reputation. You may be unsure whether you are dealing with a simple tax problem or a criminal investigation.

At Law Office of Mac Morris, we help people in this area who are facing possible tax evasion charges or investigations. Our goal is to give you clear information about what you are dealing with, then step in to protect your rights at every stage. You do not have to guess your way through interviews, subpoenas, or court hearings.

Our office has focused on criminal defense since 1995. Attorney Bryan Mac Morris has personally handled more than 7,500 criminal matters, and he uses that experience to guide clients through some of the most stressful times of their lives.

Call (972) 846-8214 or reach out online today to consult with a tax evasion attorney in Plano. We are available 24/7 to serve our North Texas community. Hablamos español.

Understanding Tax Evasion Laws in Texas

Tax evasion can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, depending on the nature of the tax involved and the amount allegedly owed.

Federal Tax Evasion

Most tax evasion cases are federal. The IRS defines tax evasion as a "willful attempt in any manner to evade or defeat any tax." This is a felony offense. 

To secure a conviction, the federal government must prove:

• An existing tax deficiency (you owed more than you paid).
• An affirmative act of evasion (hiding assets, keeping double books, or underreporting income).
• Willfulness (you intentionally violated a known legal duty).

State Tax Evasion

Because Texas does not have a state income tax, state-level evasion typically involves business taxes, specifically Sales and Use Tax. Under Texas Tax Code § 151.7032, failing to remit collected sales tax is a serious crime. The severity is based on the dollar amount:

• Amounts over $1,500: Becomes a felony-level offense.
• Amounts over $200,000: Classified as a first-degree felony, which in 2026 can carry a sentence of 5 to 99 years in prison.

Whether you are facing a federal audit or a Texas Comptroller investigation, a Plano tax evasion lawyer from our firm will provide the technical and legal defense required to mitigate the damage.

Penalties and Collateral Consequences of Tax Evasion in Texas

The penalties for tax evasion are designed to be both punitive and financially ruinous.

Criminal Penalties

• Federal Conviction: Up to 5 years in federal prison and fines up to $100,000 for individuals ($500,000 for corporations) per count.
• Texas State Conviction: Depending on the amount, you face up to 99 years for first-degree felonies. Even lower-tier felonies carry mandatory "state jail" time.

Financial and Collateral Impacts

• Civil Fraud Penalties: Even if you avoid prison, the IRS can assess a civil fraud penalty of 75% of the underpayment, plus compounding interest.
• Asset Forfeiture: The government may seize property, vehicles, and bank accounts they claim were involved in the evasion scheme.
• Professional Licensing: A felony tax conviction often results in the automatic revocation of licenses for CPAs, medical professionals, and attorneys.
• Immigration Consequences: For non-citizens, tax evasion is often classified as a "crime of moral turpitude," which can lead to mandatory deportation or denial of citizenship.

Why Hire Our Plano Defense Firm

Attorney Bryan Mac Morris has spent decades practicing criminal defense in Collin County and the surrounding courts. He has personally handled thousands of criminal matters, which helps him recognize patterns in how investigations unfold and what evidence really matters.

We place a strong focus on personal attention. That begins with listening to how your tax situation developed, what contact you have already had with the IRS or other agencies, and what documents exist. From there, we work with you to outline a defense strategy that fits the facts of your case and your long-term goals.

Attorney Mac Morris also brings a background in education to his work. He uses that experience to explain complex legal and financial concepts in everyday terms. Many clients find that understanding the process and knowing what to expect at each stage makes a difficult situation more manageable.

How A Local Tax Evasion Lawyer in Plano Helps

Working with a local tax evasion lawyer in Plano offers practical advantages rooted in familiarity with Collin County courts and procedures. Years of experience in nearby courts allow the firm to anticipate how cases typically progress, how hearings are scheduled, and how prosecutors approach financial crimes. This local insight helps clients prepare for key stages such as appearances, negotiations, or trial.

Being based in Plano also makes in-person meetings easy, which can be especially valuable when reviewing detailed financial records. Face-to-face discussions help organize documents, prepare for interviews, and address questions directly. Throughout the case, clear communication ensures clients understand each development and feel prepared as the matter moves forward.

At the Law Office of Mac Morris, we provide a sophisticated white-collar defense:

• Forensic Accounting Collaboration: We work with top-tier financial experts to perform an independent audit of your records, often finding legitimate deductions the government ignored.
• Defense of Professional Advice: If you relied on a tax preparer or CPA who misled you, we use this as a robust defense to prove a lack of criminal intent.
• 24/7 Availability: Federal investigators don't always call during business hours. We are available 24/7 to provide immediate legal protection.
• Bilingual Support: We believe language should never be a barrier to a high-quality defense. We speak Spanish to ensure our clients and their families are fully informed at every step.

What To Do If You Are Investigated

If you believe you are under investigation, these steps can help protect you:

• Limit discussions about your tax situation to your attorney so your conversations remain protected whenever possible.
• Collect relevant documents and notices in one place instead of changing or discarding anything that may later be requested.
• Avoid meeting with agents or investigators alone and do not guess at answers about records or past filings.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney who handles serious financial and tax-related cases before you give a detailed statement.

When you call our office, we begin by listening to what contact has already occurred and what paperwork you have received. We then talk with you about how these investigations often move forward and discuss options for the next step. That may include communicating with investigators on your behalf, helping you prepare for interviews, and reviewing records to understand the story they tell.

Talk With Our Plano Tax Evasion Defense Attorney

At Law Office of Mac Morris, we bring decades of criminal defense experience and personal case management to each tax-related matter we handle. Since 1995, clients in Plano and throughout Collin County have turned to our office when their rights and future are on the line. We take time to explain the process, review your documents, and outline practical next steps.

We offer confidential consultations so you can talk about your concerns before you decide how to move forward. If you have received a letter, call, or visit from investigators, we encourage you to reach out before you speak further with them. Our goal is to give you clear guidance when you need it most.

Call (972) 846-8214 or reach out online to schedule a confidential consultation with our tax evasion defense attorney in Plano.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is tax evasion always a felony in Texas?

Tax-related offenses can be charged at different levels. The exact charge and potential punishment depend on factors like the amount at issue, the conduct alleged, and whether federal or state law applies. We review the facts and any charging documents with you to explain what you may be facing.

What should I do if agents contact me?

If agents reach out, you should stay calm, avoid making detailed statements, and ask for their contact information. You can let them know that you want to speak with an attorney before answering substantive questions. Then contact our office so we can talk about the best way to respond.

Can you help before charges are filed?

We can often become involved while a matter is still being investigated. Early representation can allow us to review documents, advise you about interviews, and communicate with investigators. This stage can be critical, because decisions made now may affect whether and how charges are pursued.

Will I work directly with Attorney Mac Morris?

At our firm, Attorney Bryan Mac Morris personally manages each criminal case. That means you work directly with the attorney who is responsible for your defense strategy. Staff may assist with scheduling or documents, but key advice and decisions come from your attorney.

How confidential is my tax evasion case?

We treat every tax-related criminal matter as highly sensitive. Discussions with our office are kept private within the limits of the law, and we strive to handle communications and documents discreetly. We know that clients are concerned about employers, business partners, or others learning about their situation.