Tax Evasion Lawyers in New Orleans
Within Louisiana "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.
Typically, the strategy employed by tax evaders in New Orleans, Louisiana 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.
You may also be acquainted 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 New Orleans, Louisiana
The laws of the federal government, as well as Louisiana take tax evasion very seriously, making it a crime.
In New Orleans, tax evasion can result in anything from a comparatively 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.
In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is particularly likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion typically 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.
But, if the government can prove that a defendant in New Orleans, Louisiana knowingly concealed income, in order to get out of paying taxes, a court will most likely impose the heaviest penalties allowed by law, including enormous fines, and several years in prison.
A New Orleans, Louisiana Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
An attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana specializing in tax law can help you adhere 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.
If you find yourself actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a New Orleans, Louisiana attorney with expertise 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.