Tax Evasion Lawyers in Lemon Grove

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

Usually, the strategy employed by tax evaders in Lemon Grove, 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 willfully attempting to get out of one's tax liability through unlawful 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 Lemon Grove, California

Under federal and state law, including the laws of California, tax evasion is a very serious crime.

Punishments for evading one's taxes in Lemon Grove range from paying back taxes plus interest (a relatively mild punishment) all the way up to years in prison, and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Usually, a first offense of tax evasion, if the amount of tax evaded is relatively small, will not result in jail time or massive fines. This is especially the case if the government has trouble proving that the failure to pay taxes was the result of deliberate evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Lemon Grove, California willfully concealed income, in order to get out of paying taxes, a court will most likely impose the heaviest penalties allowed by law, including enormous fines, and several years in prison.

A Lemon Grove, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Lemon Grove, California can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.

If you find yourself really accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a Lemon Grove, California attorney with experience practicing tax law, as soon as possible. Your tax attorney can help you defend yourself against the charges, ensuring that you have a good chance at being acquitted.