Tax Evasion Lawyers in San Bernardino County

"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 San Bernardino County, 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 San Bernardino County, California

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

Tax evaders in San Bernardino County 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.

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.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in San Bernardino County, California purposely 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 San Bernardino County, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in San Bernardino County, 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 actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a San Bernardino County, 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.