Tax Evasion Lawyers in South Lake Tahoe

"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 South Lake Tahoe, 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 utilizing 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 commitments to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in South Lake Tahoe, California

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

In South Lake Tahoe, tax evasion can result in anything from a comparatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.

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.

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

A South Lake Tahoe, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in South Lake Tahoe, California can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more quickly, and adhere with federal and local tax laws.

Of course, if you've actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact a South Lake Tahoe, California tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.