Tax and Social Security Offences
Tax and social security offences can involve issues such as false declarations, unreported income, administrative errors or misunderstandings about benefit eligibility. Many people want clarity about how these matters are assessed, what evidence is relevant and how intent or oversight may be interpreted by authorities.
This page outlines the general issues that may arise and explains how Law Tram provides a secure and obligation-free way to connect with licensed Australian lawyers who can discuss your circumstances confidentially.
Charged with tax fraud or Centrelink offences?
Tax and social security offences are investigated and prosecuted by powerful government agencies such as the ATO, Services Australia and the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions. Charges can result from underreporting income, claiming benefits you weren’t entitled to, or submitting false declarations — even if the error was unintentional.
Penalties may include large fines, criminal convictions, repayment orders or prison sentences. In some cases, agencies pursue civil penalties before moving to prosecution.
Law Tram connects you with lawyers who understand the technical rules around tax law and Centrelink compliance, and who can help you respond to audits, investigations or charges with confidence.
Law Tram's Legal Partners can assist with tax and social security offences, including:
- Centrelink fraud or false claims
- Overpayment or undeclared income investigations
- Tax fraud, tax evasion or failure to lodge returns
- Business-related GST, PAYG or superannuation non-compliance
- Misuse of ABNs, company structures or offshore accounts
- Providing false or misleading information to government agencies
- Responding to ATO audits, debt recovery or director penalties
- Representing you in court or negotiating with prosecutors
Why choose Law Tram
- Connect with lawyers who understand tax and social security laws
- Confidential platform to outline your situation
- Guidance on what information or documents may be relevant
- No obligation to engage any lawyer you speak with
- Lawyers help you understand the legal considerations involved
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Legal information only – not a substitute for advice
This page provides general legal information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as such. Criminal charges can carry serious penalties and strict time limits. You should seek advice from an Australian Legal Practitioner as early as possible, especially before speaking to police or attending court.
Law Tram does not provide emergency legal support or crisis response services and does not assist in finding legal representation for minors.
Take the first step toward resolution
Law Tram offers a secure, efficient and supportive way to connect with lawyers who understand the legal issues involved in tax and social security offences. Whether your situation involves reporting obligations, discrepancies in information, eligibility concerns or uncertainty about how the matter has been assessed, our platform helps you access tailored legal guidance before you decide how to proceed.
Take the first step with clarity and peace of mind by starting your free online consultation with Law Tram now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Even if there was no intent, the law may still allow for prosecution or penalties. A lawyer can help clarify whether a criminal or civil response applies.
Usually, yes. But how and when you repay can affect whether further legal action is taken. Legal advice can help minimise harm.
Yes — especially if large amounts of money are involved or if the conduct appears dishonest or repeated.
Possibly. Certain convictions can restrict your ability to act as a director or contractor, or impact your ability to get finance or government approval.
Sometimes. In minor cases, a lawyer may help you resolve the matter by repayment, warning or administrative penalties.
Payment summaries, correspondence from authorities, bank records, declarations and any notes about how the situation arose can help a lawyer outline the general issues that may be relevant.
Yes. A lawyer can outline the general principles used to consider whether an error was deliberate, accidental or due to misunderstanding.
Yes. A lawyer can explain how administrative reviews, repayment requirements or audits may relate to your circumstances.