Tax Evasion Lawyers in West Haven
"Tax Evasion" refers to the crime of deliberately failing to pay one's taxes, as required by Connecticut law.
Most frequently, people who try to evade their taxes in West Haven, Connecticut will take steps to harbor 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 prohibited means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves using 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 West Haven, Connecticut
Under the laws of Connecticut, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very severe criminal offense.
Tax evaders in West Haven 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.
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 especially true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was purposeful, as opposed to an honest mistake.
However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in West Haven, Connecticut deliberately attempted to harbor 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 West Haven, Connecticut Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Attorneys in West Haven, Connecticut who practice tax law can help you stay in compliance with your tax obligations. This is a good way to ensure that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.
In the unfortunate event that you're truly charged with tax evasion, it's imperative that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in West Haven, 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.