Criminal tax law

Criminal tax proceedings

We also advise you in connection with criminal tax proceedings. In the confusion of the German tax jungle, it is easy to evade taxes without being detected, according to one politician. It is equally possible to come under suspicion of a tax offence completely wrongly. Case law and legislation have tightened both the rules on voluntary self-disclosure leading to exemption from punishment and the rules on the level of penalties. Especially when investigators make unannounced visits, it is important to keep a cool head and to seek external expert help from a tax adviser or lawyer. Anyone who panics and feels helpless runs the risk of making your own situation or that of your company worse through rash behaviour. The principle “Speech is silver, silence is golden” cannot be overstated during searches. For the best possible defence, it is crucial that the person concerned invokes their right to refuse to make a statement and immediately contacts a lawyer with whom the defence strategy can be agreed. We will also be happy to advise you beforehand on drawing up a plan of action in the event of an unannounced visit to your company by the tax investigation department. Our experienced team of lawyers and tax advisers can assist you in preparing voluntary self-disclosures to avoid the criminal consequences of a tax offence that has not yet been detected. Of course, we can also work with a tax adviser chosen by the client. Our activities also include defence in criminal tax proceedings and representation of your interests vis-à-vis the investigating authorities.