Tax Evasion Lawyers in Harlan

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

There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Harlan, Iowa. One of the most typical 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 harbor 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 intentionally 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 Harlan, Iowa

The laws of the federal government, as well as Iowa take tax evasion quite seriously, making it a crime.

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

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 normally 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.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Harlan, Iowa intentionally 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 Harlan, Iowa Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Harlan, Iowa who practice tax law can help you stay in compliance with your tax obligations. This is a good way to ensure that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.

In the unfortunate event that you're truly charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in Harlan, Iowa. 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.