Tax Evasion Lawyers in Steilacoom

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

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

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

In Steilacoom, tax evasion can result in anything from a relatively 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 especially true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was purposeful, as opposed to an honest mistake.

However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Steilacoom, Washington 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 Steilacoom, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Steilacoom, Washington 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.

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