Tax Evasion Lawyers in Crestview

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

Most frequently, people who try to evade their taxes in Crestview, Florida 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 knowingly 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 Crestview, Florida

The federal government and the laws of Florida impose severe penalties for tax evasion - treating it as an extremely serious crime.

Tax evaders in Crestview 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.

In most cases, particularly when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will typically be fairly mild. It will typically result in an order to pay the taxes the defendant owes, plus a small financial penalty. This is especially likely when it cannot be proven that the failure to pay taxes was purposeful.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Crestview, Florida knowingly 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 Crestview, Florida Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Crestview, Florida can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.

Of course, if you've truly been accused of tax evasion, you should hire a Crestview, Florida tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.