Tax Evasion Lawyers in Waianae

"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 Waianae, 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 number 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 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 Waianae, Hawaii

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

Tax evaders in Waianae 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 usually so severe, particularly when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Waianae, Hawaii willfully attempted to conceal 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 Waianae, Hawaii Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Waianae, Hawaii 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 important that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Waianae, 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.