Tax Evasion Lawyers in St. Matthews

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

Typically, the strategy employed by tax evaders in St. Matthews, Kentucky is to try and make it look like they have less taxable income than they actually do. This can be done by failing to report income, concealing it, or fraudulently transferring property.

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 St. Matthews, Kentucky

Under federal and state law, including the laws of Kentucky, tax evasion is a very severe crime.

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

In most cases, particularly when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will usually be fairly mild. It will usually 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 prove that a defendant in St. Matthews, Kentucky 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 St. Matthews, Kentucky Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in St. Matthews, Kentucky 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.

Of course, if you've actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact a St. Matthews, Kentucky tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.