Tax Evasion Lawyers in Carmel

Within Indiana "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.

Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Carmel, Indiana that one's tax liability is lower than it actually is. This can include concealing income, making fraudulent transfers of property, and other illegal activities.

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 Carmel, Indiana

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

In Carmel, tax evasion can result in anything from a comparatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.

Most often, tax evasion - if it's a first offense and the tax liability is small - will not be cause for huge fines or imprisonment. This is particularly true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was intentional, as opposed to an honest mistake.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can prove that a Carmel, Indiana taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most grave punishment that's allowed by law. This can easily involve jail time.

A Carmel, Indiana Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

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

In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's important that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Carmel, Indiana. 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.