Tax Evasion Lawyers in Topsfield

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

Most often, people who try to evade their taxes in Topsfield, Massachusetts will take steps to conceal 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 illegal 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 Topsfield, Massachusetts

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

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

Typically, a first offense of tax evasion, if the amount of tax evaded is relatively small, will not result in jail time or massive fines. This is especially the case if the government has trouble proving that the failure to pay taxes was the result of deliberate evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can prove that a Topsfield, Massachusetts taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most severe punishment that's allowed by law. This can easily involve jail time.

A Topsfield, Massachusetts Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

An attorney in Topsfield, Massachusetts specializing in tax law can help you comply 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.

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