Tax Evasion Lawyers in Walnut

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

Typically, the strategy employed by tax evaders in Walnut, 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 Walnut, California

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

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

Most often, tax evasion - if it's a first offense and the tax liability is small - will not be cause for huge fines or imprisonment. This is particularly true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was intentional, as opposed to an honest mistake.

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

Attorneys in Walnut, California who practice tax law can help you stay in conformity with your tax commitments. This is a good way to confirm that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.

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