Tax Evasion Lawyers in Sterling

In 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 Sterling, 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 using the tax laws strategically, to reduce one's actual tax liability as much as possible.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Sterling, Massachusetts

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

In Sterling, 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 typically be fairly mild. It will typically 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 deliberate.

However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Sterling, Massachusetts committed deliberate fraud, in order to evade their legal duty to pay taxes, a tax court is probably going to impose a more severe penalty, which may include jail time, and large financial penalties.

A Sterling, Massachusetts Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Sterling, Massachusetts can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.

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