Tax Evasion Lawyers in Redlands

"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 Redlands, 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.

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 utilizing 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 commitments to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Redlands, California

Both federal law and the law of California treat tax evasion as a significant criminal offense.

The penalties for tax evasion in Redlands 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 is able to definitively establish that a defendant in Redlands, California intentionally engaged in fraud to get out of paying taxes, a tax court is very unlikely to show any leniency, and may well sentence the defendant to prison time.

A Redlands, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Redlands, 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.

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