Tax Evasion Lawyers in Winchester

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

Most often, people who try to evade their taxes in Winchester, 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 knowingly 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 Winchester, Connecticut

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

Tax evaders in Winchester can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of penalties 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 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.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can prove that a Winchester, Connecticut 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 Winchester, Connecticut Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Winchester, 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 critical that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Winchester, 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.