Tax Evasion Lawyers in Indianapolis
In Indiana "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.
Normally, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Indianapolis, Indiana 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.
You may also be familiar with the term "tax avoidance." It is critical that you don't confuse this with "tax evasion." Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and is probably something that every taxpayer does whenever they file, whether they know it or not. It involves employing legal methods to make one's tax liability as small as possible, taking advantages of deductions and other tax breaks.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Indianapolis, Indiana
Both federal law and the law of Indiana treat tax evasion as a significant criminal offense.
In Indianapolis, tax evasion can result in anything from a relatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.
However, the punishments for tax evasion, especially first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not typically so severe, especially when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.
But if the government is able to definitively establish that a defendant in Indianapolis, Indiana 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 Indianapolis, Indiana Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A tax attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana 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 precisely what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.
If you find yourself truly accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire an Indianapolis, Indiana attorney with experience practicing tax law, as soon as possible. Your tax attorney can help you defend yourself against the charges, ensuring that you have a good chance at being acquitted.