Tax Evasion Lawyers in Lihue

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

There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Lihue, Hawaii. One of the most common tactics is to make it appear that the taxpayer has less taxable income than they actually do. There are a wide variety of ways to conceal income for the purpose of evading one's tax liability, but all of them are illegal.

"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 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 Lihue, Hawaii

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

Punishments for evading one's taxes in Lihue range from paying back taxes plus interest (a relatively mild punishment) all the way up to years in prison, and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is especially likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion typically mean a small fine, on top of an order to pay whatever taxes the taxpayer owes. A minor punishment is most likely when the government has trouble proving that fraud was involved, as opposed to an honest accounting error.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Lihue, Hawaii willfully 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 Lihue, Hawaii Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Lihue, Hawaii can ensure that you meet your tax liabilities, which will make an audit, or charge of tax evasion, less likely. Sometimes, it's difficult 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 important that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Lihue, Hawaii. 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.