Tax Evasion Lawyers in Greenfield

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

Typically, the strategy employed by tax evaders in Greenfield, 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 intentionally attempting to get out of one's tax liability through illegal means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves utilizing 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 Greenfield, California

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

Tax evaders in Greenfield 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.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, particularly first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not usually so severe, particularly when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Greenfield, 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 Greenfield, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Greenfield, California attorney who concentrates in tax law can help ensure that you are in conformity with all applicable tax laws, making an accusation of tax evasion less likely.

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