Tax Evasion Lawyers in Madera

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

Typically, the strategy employed by tax evaders in Madera, 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 intentionally attempting to get out of one's tax liability through illegal means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves using 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 Madera, California

Under federal and state law, including the laws of California, tax evasion is a very severe crime.

Punishments for evading one's taxes in Madera range from paying back taxes plus interest (a relatively mild punishment) all the way up to years in prison, and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, especially first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not usually so severe, especially when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Madera, California intentionally attempted to conceal income or assets for the purpose of getting out of taxes, a court will probably throw the book at them, so to speak. This can mean jail sentences measured in years, and fines in the six or seven figures.

A Madera, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Madera, California can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.

In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Madera, California. If you are actually innocent, your tax attorney can help make sure that you have the best chance you can of being found not guilty.