Tax Evasion Lawyers in Saraland

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

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

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 Saraland, Alabama

Under the laws of Alabama, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very significant criminal offense.

Tax evaders in Saraland can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of penalties available, with the ones just mentioned representing the most severe options available.

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 willful, as opposed to an honest mistake.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Saraland, Alabama knowingly 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 Saraland, Alabama Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Saraland, Alabama who practice tax law can help you stay in conformity with your tax commitments. This is a good way to confirm that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.

In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's critical that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Saraland, Alabama. 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.