Tax Evasion Lawyers in East Palo Alto

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

Normally, the strategy employed by tax evaders in East Palo Alto, California is to try and make it look like they have less taxable income than they actually do. This can be done by failing to report income, concealing it, or fraudulently transferring property.

"Tax evasion" should not be confused with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the act of knowingly attempting to get out of one's tax liability through prohibited means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves utilizing legal strategies (such as taking advantage of deductions and tax credits) to reduce one's legal tax liability. However, someone engaging in tax avoidance typically intends to pay whatever they end up owing, even as they try to reduce the amount they owe.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in East Palo Alto, California

The laws of the federal government, as well as California take tax evasion quite seriously, making it a crime.

The penalties for tax evasion in East Palo Alto can range anywhere from small penalties to huge penalties, along with prison sentences of several years.

Normally, an initial offense of tax evasion, if the amount of tax evaded is comparatively small, will not result in jail time or massive fines. This is particularly the case if the government has trouble proving that the failure to pay taxes was the result of intentional evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in East Palo Alto, California knowingly concealed income, in order to get out of paying taxes, a court will most likely impose the heaviest penalties allowed by law, including enormous fines, and several years in prison.

A East Palo Alto, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in East Palo Alto, California who practice tax law can help you stay in conformity with your tax commitments. This is a good way to confirm that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.

If the government truly charges you with tax evasion, it cannot be stressed enough that you need the assistance of a reliable East Palo Alto, California tax attorney. Assuming you're actually innocent, your tax lawyer can help you prepare a defense, and ensure that you have a good chance of being found not guilty. On top of that, they can make getting through such a difficult time much easier.