Tax Evasion Lawyers in Dunedin

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

Most often, people who try to evade their taxes in Dunedin, Florida 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 intentionally 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 Dunedin, Florida

Under federal and state law, including the laws of Florida, tax evasion is a very significant crime.

In Dunedin, tax evasion can result in anything from a comparatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, particularly first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not usually 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 Dunedin, Florida 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 Dunedin, Florida Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Dunedin, Florida who practice tax law can help you stay in conformity with your tax commitments. This is a good way to confirm that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.

In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Dunedin, Florida. 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.