Tax Evasion Lawyers in Escondido
"Tax Evasion" refers to the crime of purposely failing to pay one's taxes, as required by California law.
Typically, the strategy employed by tax evaders in Escondido, California is to try and make it look like they have less taxable income than they actually do. This can be done by failing to report income, concealing it, or fraudulently transferring property.
"Tax evasion" should not be confused with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the act of purposely attempting to get out of one's tax liability through illegal means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves using legal strategies (such as taking advantage of deductions and tax credits) to reduce one's legal tax liability. However, someone engaging in tax avoidance typically intends to pay whatever they end up owing, even as they try to reduce the amount they owe.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Escondido, 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 Escondido 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.
But if the government is able to definitively prove that a defendant in Escondido, California intentionally engaged in fraud to get out of paying taxes, a tax court is highly unlikely to show any leniency, and may well sentence the defendant to prison time.
A Escondido, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
An attorney in Escondido, California specializing in tax law can help you comply with all the tax laws that apply to you, which makes it very unlikely that you'll ever be accused of tax evasion in the first place.
Of course, if you've actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact an Escondido, California tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.