Tax Evasion Lawyers in Goleta

"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 Goleta, 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 Goleta, California

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

Tax evaders in Goleta can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of punishments 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 especially true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was deliberate, as opposed to an honest mistake.

However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Goleta, California committed deliberate fraud, in order to evade their legal duty to pay taxes, a tax court is probably going to impose a more severe penalty, which may include jail time, and large financial penalties.

A Goleta, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Goleta, 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 a Goleta, California tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.