Tax Evasion Lawyers in Fort Meade

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

Most often, people who try to evade their taxes in Fort Meade, 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 willfully 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 Fort Meade, Florida

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

The penalties for tax evasion in Fort Meade can range anywhere from small penalties to huge penalties, along with prison sentences of several years.

Typically, an initial offense of tax evasion, if the amount of tax evaded is comparatively small, will not result in jail time or massive fines. This is particularly the case if the government has trouble proving that the failure to pay taxes was the result of willful evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can prove that a Fort Meade, Florida 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 Fort Meade, Florida Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

An attorney in Fort Meade, Florida specializing in tax law can help you adhere with all the tax laws that apply to you, which makes it very unlikely that you'll ever be accused of tax evasion in the first place.

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