Tax Evasion Lawyers in Washington

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

Most frequently, people who try to evade their taxes in Washington, District of Columbia 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 intentionally attempting to get out of one's tax liability through prohibited 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 Washington, District of Columbia

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

Tax evaders in Washington 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.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, particularly first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not typically so severe, particularly when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Washington, District of Columbia intentionally 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 Washington, District of Columbia Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Washington, District of Columbia 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 precisely what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.

In the unfortunate event that you're truly charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.