Tax Evasion Lawyers in Leeds

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

One of the most common frequent tactics of tax evaders in Leeds, Alabama is to attempt to make it appear to an outside observer that their tax liability is lower than it really 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 Leeds, Alabama

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

Punishments for evading one's taxes in Leeds range from paying back taxes plus interest (a relatively mild punishment) all the way up to years in prison, and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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 it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Leeds, Alabama deliberately attempted to hide 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 Leeds, Alabama Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Leeds, Alabama 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 really been accused of tax evasion, you should retain a Leeds, Alabama tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.