Tax Evasion Lawyers in Waipahu

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

There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Waipahu, Hawaii. One of the most frequent 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 hide 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 willfully attempting to get out of one's tax liability through unlawful 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 Waipahu, Hawaii

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

Tax evaders in Waipahu can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of punishments available, with the ones just mentioned representing the most severe options available.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, especially first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not normally 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 Waipahu, Hawaii willfully 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 Waipahu, Hawaii Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Waipahu, Hawaii 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.

In the unfortunate event that you're really charged with tax evasion, it's important that you hire a reliable tax attorney in Waipahu, 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.