Tax Evasion Lawyers in Vestavia Hills

"Tax Evasion" refers to the crime of willfully failing to pay one's taxes, as required by Alabama law.

One of the most common prevalent tactics of tax evaders in Vestavia Hills, Alabama is to attempt to make it appear to an outside observer that their tax liability is lower than it truly is, such as by concealing income, fraudulently transferring property, and others.

It's important not to confuse "tax avoidance" and "tax evasion." They are two different things, but some people mistakenly use them interchangeably. Tax avoidance involves using legal methods, such as tax deductions and exemptions, in a strategic manner, for the purpose of reducing one's tax liability. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal. Tax evasion involves fraud, and a deliberate attempt to avoid meeting one's legal obligations to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Vestavia Hills, Alabama

The federal government and the laws of Alabama impose severe penalties for tax evasion - treating it as an extremely serious crime.

In Vestavia Hills, tax evasion can result in anything from a relatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.

Most often, tax evasion - if it's a first offense and the tax liability is small - will not be cause for huge fines or imprisonment. This is especially true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was purposeful, as opposed to an honest mistake.

But if the government is able to definitively establish that a defendant in Vestavia Hills, Alabama intentionally engaged in fraud to get out of paying taxes, a tax court is highly unlikely to show any leniency, and may well sentence the defendant to prison time.

A Vestavia Hills, Alabama Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Vestavia Hills, Alabama who practice tax law can help you stay in compliance with your tax obligations. This is a good way to ensure that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.

Of course, if you've truly been accused of tax evasion, you should hire a Vestavia Hills, Alabama tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.