Tax Evasion Lawyers in Kaneohe

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

There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Kaneohe, Hawaii. One of the most typical tactics is to make it appear that the taxpayer has less taxable income than they actually do. There are a wide variety of ways to harbor income for the purpose of evading one's tax liability, but all of them are illegal.

"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 prohibited 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 Kaneohe, Hawaii

Under the laws of Hawaii, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very serious criminal offense.

Punishments for evading one's taxes in Kaneohe 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 typically so severe, especially when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Kaneohe, Hawaii intentionally 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 Kaneohe, Hawaii Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Kaneohe, Hawaii can ensure that you meet your tax liabilities, which will make an audit, or charge of tax evasion, less likely. Sometimes, it's difficult to determine precisely what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.

In the unfortunate event that you're truly charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in Kaneohe, Hawaii. 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.