Tax Evasion Lawyers in Vernon

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

Most often, people who try to evade their taxes in Vernon, Connecticut will take steps to conceal their assets and income, or transferring their property to other legal entities in a fraudulent manner.

"Tax evasion" should not be confused with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the act of deliberately attempting to get out of one's tax liability through illegal means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves utilizing 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 Vernon, Connecticut

Under the laws of Connecticut, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very egregious criminal offense.

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

In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is particularly likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion typically mean a small fine, on top of an order to pay whatever taxes the taxpayer owes. A minor punishment is most likely when the government has trouble proving that fraud was involved, as opposed to an honest accounting error.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Vernon, Connecticut deliberately 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 Vernon, Connecticut Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Vernon, Connecticut can ensure that you meet your tax liabilities, which will make an audit, or charge of tax evasion, less likely. Sometimes, it's challenging to determine exactly what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.

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