Tax Evasion Lawyers in Rancho Santa Margarita

"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 Rancho Santa Margarita, 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.

It's important not to confuse "tax avoidance" and "tax evasion." They are two different things, but some people mistakenly use them interchangeably. Tax avoidance involves using legal methods, such as tax deductions and exemptions, in a strategic manner, for the purpose of reducing one's tax liability. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal. Tax evasion involves fraud, and a deliberate attempt to avoid meeting one's legal obligations to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Both federal law and the law of California treat tax evasion as a serious criminal offense.

The penalties for tax evasion in Rancho Santa Margarita can range anywhere from small fines to huge fines, along with prison sentences of several years.

Typically, 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 purposeful evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can prove that a Rancho Santa Margarita, California taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most severe punishment that's allowed by law. This can easily involve jail time.

A Rancho Santa Margarita, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

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

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