Tax Evasion Lawyers in Arcata

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

One of the most common common tactics of tax evaders in Arcata, California 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.

You may also be familiar with the term "tax avoidance." It is essential that you don't confuse this with "tax evasion." Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and is probably something that every taxpayer does whenever they file, whether they know it or not. It involves employing legal methods to make one's tax liability as small as possible, taking advantages of deductions and other tax breaks.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Arcata, California

The laws of the federal government, as well as California take tax evasion very seriously, making it a crime.

The penalties for tax evasion in Arcata can range anywhere from small fines to huge fines, along with prison sentences of several years.

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 Arcata, California intentionally 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 Arcata, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Arcata, California 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 actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact an Arcata, California tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.