Tax Evasion Lawyers in Bakersfield
"Tax Evasion" refers to the crime of intentionally failing to pay one's taxes, as required by California law.
One of the most common prevalent tactics of tax evaders in Bakersfield, California 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 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 Bakersfield, California
The laws of the federal government, as well as California take tax evasion quite seriously, making it a crime.
The penalties for tax evasion in Bakersfield can range anywhere from small fines to huge fines, along with prison sentences of several years.
In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is especially likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion normally mean a small fine, on top of an order to pay whatever taxes the taxpayer owes. A minor punishment is most likely when the government has trouble proving that fraud was involved, as opposed to an honest accounting error.
However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Bakersfield, California 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 Bakersfield, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A Bakersfield, California attorney who specializes in tax law can help ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable tax laws, making an accusation of tax evasion less likely.
In the unfortunate event that you're truly charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in Bakersfield, California. 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.