Tax Evasion Lawyers in Olympia

Tax evasion is a crime in Washington. Tax evasion involves purposely failing to pay one's taxes.

Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Olympia, Washington 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 Olympia, Washington

The federal government and the laws of Washington impose grave penalties for tax evasion - treating it as an extremely serious crime.

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

In most cases, especially when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will usually be fairly mild. It will usually 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 intentional.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Olympia, Washington purposely attempted to conceal income or assets for the purpose of getting out of taxes, a court will probably throw the book at them, so to speak. This can mean jail sentences measured in years, and fines in the six or seven figures.

A Olympia, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Olympia, Washington can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more quickly, and adhere with federal and local tax laws.

Of course, if you've actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact an Olympia, Washington tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.