Mr. Freeman is the founding member of Freeman Law, PLLC. He is a dual-credentialed attorney-CPA, author, law professor, and trial attorney.
Mr. Freeman has been named by Chambers & Partners as among the leading tax and litigation attorneys in the United States and to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Lawyers in America list. He is a former recipient of the American Bar Association’s “On the Rise – Top 40 Young Lawyers” in America award. Mr. Freeman was named the “Leading Tax Controversy Litigation Attorney of the Year” for the State of Texas for 2019 and 2020 by AI.
Mr. Freeman has been recognized multiple times by D Magazine, a D Magazine Partner service, as one of the Best Lawyers in Dallas, and as a Super Lawyer by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters service. He has previously been recognized by Super Lawyers as a Top 100 Up-And-Coming Attorney in Texas.
Mr. Freeman currently serves as the chairman of the Texas Society of CPAs (TXCPA). He is a former chairman of the Dallas Society of CPAs (TXCPA-Dallas). Mr. Freeman also served multiple terms as the President of the North Texas chapter of the American Academy of Attorney-CPAs. He has been previously recognized as the Young CPA of the Year in the State of Texas (an award given to only one CPA in the state of Texas under 40).
The Department of Justice Tax Division recently announced its conviction and sentencing of a Texas-based tax return preparer to 42 months in prison. The preparer was convicted of aiding and assisting in the preparation and filing of a false tax return and aggravated identity theft.
Court documents provide the following description of the scheme at issue:
Shermin Marshall [the tax preparer] devised a scheme to file false federal income tax returns on behalf of his clients. Marshall falsified specific items on his clients’ tax returns in order to fraudulently increase their tax refunds. Marshall directed clients’ refunds to be deposited into financial accounts that he controlled and, unbeknownst to his clients, Marshall stole a portion of those refunds. To facilitate the diversion of the stolen funds, Marshall opened financial accounts in his clients’ names, without their permission.
The case stands as yet another reminder that taxpayers should carefully vet their tax professionals. Preparer credentials and credibility can play an important role in avoiding tax penalties. As this case demonstrates, it can also play an important role in avoiding becoming the victim of fraud.
White Collar Defense Attorneys
Freeman Law represents companies, executives, and individuals in regulatory and white-collar government investigations and prosecutions. We employ a proactive approach to defend vigorously and strategically position our clients. White-collar matters often involve parallel regulatory and civil proceedings. Freeman Law can navigate the complexities and collateral consequences of multiple proceedings. And when it comes to the court of public opinion, we employ ethical and strategic tactics to manage publicity. Schedule a consultation or call (214) 984-3000 to discuss your allegations and investigations concerns.
