Tax Evasion Lawyers in Helena

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

One of the most common prevalent tactics of tax evaders in Helena, Alabama is to attempt to make it appear to an outside observer that their tax liability is lower than it truly is, such as by concealing income, fraudulently transferring property, and others.

You should not confuse "tax evasion" with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is illegal, and involves deliberately failing to pay one's taxes which they lawfully owe. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is legal, and involves using legal strategies to lower one's legal tax liability. For example, strategically using deductions and tax credits to lower the amount of money you are legally obliged to pay, is an example of tax avoidance, assuming you actually pay your tax bill, whatever it ends up being.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Helena, Alabama

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

In Helena, 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 deliberate.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Helena, Alabama intentionally attempted to harbor 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 Helena, Alabama Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Helena, Alabama can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.

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