Tax Evasion Lawyers in Winnetka

In Illinois "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.

Usually, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Winnetka, Illinois that one's tax liability is lower than it actually is. This can include concealing income, making fraudulent transfers of property, and other illegal activities.

It's important not to confuse "tax avoidance" and "tax evasion." They are two different things, but some people mistakenly use them interchangeably. Tax avoidance involves using legal methods, such as tax deductions and exemptions, in a strategic manner, for the purpose of reducing one's tax liability. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal. Tax evasion involves fraud, and a deliberate attempt to avoid meeting one's legal obligations to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Winnetka, Illinois

The federal government and the laws of Illinois impose severe penalties for tax evasion - treating it as an extremely serious crime.

In Winnetka, the punishments for tax evasion can range from a court order to pay back taxes, plus a small fine, and range all the way up to fines in the tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars, and imprisonment.

In most cases, particularly when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will normally be fairly mild. It will normally result in an order to pay the taxes the defendant owes, plus a small financial penalty. This is especially likely when it cannot be proven that the failure to pay taxes was purposeful.

But if the government is able to definitively show that a defendant in Winnetka, Illinois intentionally engaged in fraud to get out of paying taxes, a tax court is highly unlikely to show any leniency, and may well sentence the defendant to prison time.

A Winnetka, Illinois Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

An attorney in Winnetka, Illinois specializing in tax law can help you comply 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 really been accused of tax evasion, you should retain a Winnetka, Illinois tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.