Tax Evasion Lawyers in Belmont

Within Massachusetts "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.

Most frequently, people who try to evade their taxes in Belmont, Massachusetts will take steps to harbor their assets and income, or transferring their property to other legal entities in a fraudulent manner.

"Tax evasion" should be distinguished from "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the prohibited act of trying to hide one's tax liability. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is perfectly legal, and simply involves utilizing the tax laws strategically, to reduce one's actual tax liability as much as possible.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Belmont, Massachusetts

Both federal law and the law of Massachusetts treat tax evasion as a significant criminal offense.

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

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 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 Belmont, Massachusetts knowingly 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 Belmont, Massachusetts Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Belmont, Massachusetts who practice tax law can help you stay in conformity with your tax commitments. This is a good way to confirm that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.

Of course, if you've truly been accused of tax evasion, you should hire a Belmont, Massachusetts tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.