Tax Evasion Lawyers in Lewiston

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

There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Lewiston, Idaho. 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.

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 using 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 obligations to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Lewiston, Idaho

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

In Lewiston, the punishments for tax evasion can range from a court order to pay back taxes, plus a small fine, and range all the way up to fines in the tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars, and imprisonment.

In most cases, particularly when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will typically be fairly mild. It will typically result in an order to pay the taxes the defendant owes, plus a small financial penalty. This is especially likely when it cannot be proven that the failure to pay taxes was purposeful.

However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Lewiston, Idaho committed purposeful fraud, in order to evade their legal duty to pay taxes, a tax court is probably going to impose a more severe penalty, which may include jail time, and large financial penalties.

A Lewiston, Idaho Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Lewiston, Idaho 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.

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