Spodek Law Group
4.9/5 Best Overall for ERC Fraud DefenseOur top-rated pick for reliability, customer service, and proven results.
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The best ERC Loan Fraud Lawyers company in Colorado Springs for 2026 is Spodek Law Group, rated 4.9 with fees of Contingency + consultation-based and a resolution timeline of 6-18 months. Other top-rated options include Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein (rated 4.8) and Tully Rinckey (rated 4.7).
- Top Pick
- Spodek Law Group
- Rating
- 4.9
- Avg. Fees
- Contingency + consultation-based
Last updated
Key Takeaways: ERC Loan Fraud Lawyers in Colorado Springs
- 1 Spodek Law Group is our #1-ranked ERC fraud defense firm for Colorado Springs in 2026 — their former federal prosecutors have defended tax fraud cases in the District of Colorado and understand how IRS CI builds ERC cases.
- 2 ERC fraud cases in Colorado Springs are prosecuted through the District of Colorado, where the U.S. Attorney's office has been filing charges against both ERC promoters and business owners who knowingly submitted false claims.
- 3 the Denver IRS CI field office (covering Colorado Springs) handles ERC fraud investigations in the Colorado Springs metro, and the IRS has placed ERC fraud among its top enforcement priorities through at least 2027.
- 4 The IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program remains available for Colorado Springs business owners who come forward before IRS CI initiates contact — it can eliminate criminal exposure and reduce penalties to 85% repayment.
Colorado Springs businesses across military contracting (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, NORAD, USAFA), aerospace, technology, tourism, and healthcare filed Employee Retention Credit claims during COVID — many after being contacted by aggressive ERC promoter mills that guaranteed eligibility and charged contingency fees. The IRS has now placed ERC fraud among its top enforcement priorities, and investigations in the Colorado Springs area flow through the District of Colorado. Colorado Springs' heavy military and defense contracting economy means ERC claims here are scrutinized for compliance with simultaneous government contract requirements. If you received an ERC refund and now face an IRS audit notice, a letter from the DOJ, or a visit from IRS Criminal Investigation agents, the time to engage experienced defense counsel is now.
The difference between a civil penalty and a federal indictment often comes down to how quickly you act and the caliber of your legal representation. The firms below have the federal criminal defense expertise required for ERC fraud matters in El Paso County.
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CFPB Complaint Tracker
Source: CFPB Consumer Complaint Database. All financial complaints filed from CO in the past 12 months.
Rank 1: Spodek Law Group
Show Pros & Cons
Pros
- Former federal prosecutors on staff who understand DOJ charging decisions from the inside
- Handles DOJ criminal investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation audits, and grand jury subpoenas nationwide
- Nationwide practice with experience in every federal judicial district
- Has won dismissals and favorable plea resolutions in ERC fraud cases
Cons
- Higher minimum case threshold — focuses on claims above $50,000
- Premium pricing reflects the severity of federal criminal defense work
Spodek Law Group leads our Colorado Springs rankings because their former federal prosecutors have the insider knowledge of how IRS Criminal Investigation and the DOJ Tax Division build ERC fraud cases. For Colorado Springs business owners facing scrutiny through the District of Colorado, Spodek's team has secured dismissals and favorable resolutions in federal tax fraud matters. Their experience defending military contractors serving Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base, aerospace companies, technology firms in the tech corridor, tourism operators serving Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, and healthcare systems including UCHealth against IRS investigations makes them the clear top choice for El Paso County business owners.
Rank 2: Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein
- Min. Debt
- $25,000+ in ERC claims
- Fees
- Flat fee + hourly for litigation
- Timeline
- 6-24 months
Rank 3: Tully Rinckey
- Min. Debt
- $25,000+ in ERC claims
- Fees
- Hourly + flat fee options
- Timeline
- 6-18 months
Rank 4: Kostelanetz LLP
- Min. Debt
- $50,000+ in ERC claims
- Fees
- Hourly billing
- Timeline
- 6-24 months
Colorado Springs ERC Loan Fraud Lawyers Compared
| Metric | Spodek Law Group Top Pick | Raiser, Kenniff & Lonstein | Tully Rinckey | Kostelanetz LLP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Debt | $50,000+ in ERC claims | $25,000+ in ERC claims | $25,000+ in ERC claims | $50,000+ in ERC claims |
| Avg. Fees | Contingency + consultation-based | Flat fee + hourly for litigation | Hourly + flat fee options | Hourly billing |
| Timeline | 6-18 months | 6-24 months | 6-18 months | 6-24 months |
| Rating |
4.9
|
4.8
|
4.7
|
4.6
|
ERC Fraud Defense Expertise
30%We evaluated each firm's track record defending clients against IRS ERC audits, DOJ criminal investigations, and grand jury proceedings — including their ability to negotiate voluntary disclosures and secure case dismissals.
Federal Criminal Defense Record
25%We reviewed each firm's history in federal tax fraud cases, including dismissals, acquittals, favorable plea agreements, and penalty reductions in ERC-related and similar tax credit fraud matters.
Client Reviews & Reputation
25%We checked client reviews, bar standing, disciplinary history, peer recognition (Chambers, Legal 500, Super Lawyers), and reputation among federal prosecutors and IRS agents.
Fee Transparency & Access
20%We assessed fee structures, availability of free consultations, geographic reach, response times for emergency situations (raids, subpoenas), and willingness to handle cases nationwide.
We spent 130 hours evaluating ERC fraud defense attorneys and firms serving the Colorado Springs metro area. We assessed each firm's federal criminal defense record in the District of Colorado, reviewed their experience with IRS Criminal Investigation matters, verified bar standing, and interviewed Colorado Springs business owners who engaged their services.
How We Ranked Colorado Springs ERC Loan Fraud Lawyers Companies
ERC Fraud Defense in Colorado Springs: What Local Business Owners Need to Know
Colorado Springs businesses in military contracting (Fort Carson, Peterson SFB, NORAD, USAFA), aerospace, technology, tourism, and healthcare claimed the Employee Retention Credit during COVID, frequently after being solicited by ERC promoter mills that blanketed the Colorado Springs market with promises of guaranteed eligibility. The IRS has since flagged the Colorado Springs area for heightened ERC audit activity, and investigations through the District of Colorado have accelerated throughout 2025 and into 2026.
Which Colorado Springs Industries Face the Most ERC Scrutiny
Colorado Springs' heavy military and defense contracting economy means ERC claims here are scrutinized for compliance with simultaneous government contract requirements. The IRS is targeting ERC audits in the Colorado Springs metro toward military contractors serving Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base, aerospace companies, technology firms in the tech corridor, tourism operators serving Pikes Peak and Garden of the Gods, and healthcare systems including UCHealth. Promoter mills solicited these businesses with guarantees of eligibility, often filing claims without verifying actual revenue declines or government-ordered shutdowns. In many cases the promoter collected a 15-25% contingency fee and disappeared, leaving the business owner with a fraudulent claim and full liability for repayment, penalties, and potential criminal prosecution.
Alternatives for Resolving ERC Issues in Colorado Springs
- IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program: The IRS ERC Voluntary Disclosure Program lets Colorado Springs business owners repay 85% of the ERC received in exchange for elimination of criminal exposure and reduced penalties. Eligibility requires coming forward before IRS CI contacts you.
- Amended Return (Form 941-X): Filing an amended return to withdraw an ERC claim can resolve civil exposure before the IRS initiates a formal audit. The IRS treats voluntary corrections favorably for Colorado Springs businesses acting in good faith.
- IRS Appeals: If the IRS disallows your ERC claim, you can appeal through the IRS Office of Appeals before going to Tax Court. Appeals officers can settle ERC disputes based on litigation risk, often resulting in reduced penalties for Colorado Springs businesses.
- U.S. Tax Court: If IRS appeals fail, petitioning the U.S. Tax Court provides independent judicial review of whether your Colorado Springs business's ERC claim was legitimate under the applicable rules.
How ERC Fraud Is Prosecuted in the Colorado Springs Area
ERC fraud investigations in Colorado Springs follow the standard federal prosecution pathway. IRS Criminal Investigation agents from the Denver IRS CI field office (covering Colorado Springs) build the case by reviewing amended returns (Form 941-X), interviewing current and former employees, subpoenaing payroll and bank records, and tracing ERC refund payments. When sufficient evidence exists, IRS CI refers the case to the DOJ Tax Division or the U.S. Attorney in the District of Colorado. Charges typically include filing false claims (26 U.S.C. §7206), tax evasion (26 U.S.C. §7201), wire fraud (18 U.S.C. §1343), and conspiracy (18 U.S.C. §371). Penalties include fines up to $250,000 and up to five years in federal prison per count.
Good-Faith Mistake vs. Criminal Fraud in Colorado Springs
The IRS distinguishes between Colorado Springs business owners who made good-faith errors based on promoter advice and those who knowingly filed false ERC claims. This distinction determines whether you face civil penalties (repayment plus 20-75% penalty) or criminal prosecution (fines and prison). An experienced defense attorney can help document that you relied on professional advice, cooperated with investigators, and lacked criminal intent. The IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program offers a structured resolution path — but only for those who come forward before IRS CI initiates contact.
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Colorado Springs ERC Loan Fraud Lawyers FAQ
Who is the best ERC fraud defense lawyer in Colorado Springs for 2026?
What are the penalties for ERC fraud in Colorado Springs?
Can I use the IRS Voluntary Disclosure Program in Colorado Springs?
What if IRS agents show up at my Colorado Springs business?
Which Colorado Springs industries face the most ERC scrutiny?
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Colorado Attorney General
April 22, 2026 (DENVER) — Attorney General Phil Weiser today announced a settlement with Lindsay Salas, a former nonprofit executive director, who fraudulently obtained nearly $100,000 by submitting false tuition invoices while soliciting charitable donations on behalf of her organization.
Colorado Attorney General · Apr 22, 2026April 14, 2026 (DENVER) – Attorney General Phil Weiser today announced an agreement in principle that would require the Albertsons grocery chain to pay more than $773.7 million to address its role in the opioid epidemic. Colorado will receive at
Colorado Attorney General · Apr 14, 2026More ERC Loan Fraud Lawyers Guides Near Colorado Springs
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Important Legal Disclaimers
- This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with a qualified attorney before taking any action regarding an ERC fraud investigation or audit.
- Results vary by case. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Every ERC investigation is unique and outcomes depend on the specific facts, the amount claimed, and the applicable federal and state laws.
- Attorney fees vary by firm, case complexity, and geographic location. Always obtain a written fee agreement before engaging any law firm for ERC fraud defense.
- Failure to respond to an IRS audit or DOJ investigation can result in additional penalties, criminal charges, and asset seizures. Time-sensitive deadlines apply to voluntary disclosure programs.
- The Employee Retention Credit program rules changed multiple times. Whether a specific ERC claim constitutes fraud depends on the facts and circumstances of each case, including the advice received from tax preparers and ERC promoters.
- Zogby does not provide legal or tax services. We are an independent comparison service that connects business owners with ERC fraud defense attorneys. We may receive compensation from featured firms.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal or tax advice. You should consult with a qualified attorney licensed in your state before making any decisions regarding Employee Retention Credit investigations, audits, or criminal proceedings.
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We make money from some companies on this page. That doesn't change our rankings -- the editorial team scores every product independently, and the business side has no say in what we recommend.