Tax Evasion Lawyers in Waltham
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 Waltham, 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 Waltham, Massachusetts
Under federal and state law, including the laws of Massachusetts, tax evasion is a very severe crime.
The penalties for tax evasion in Waltham can range anywhere from small fines to huge fines, along with prison sentences of several years.
Most often, tax evasion - if it's a first offense and the tax liability is small - will not be cause for huge fines or imprisonment. This is especially true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was purposeful, as opposed to an honest mistake.
However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Waltham, Massachusetts intentionally attempted to conceal 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 Waltham, Massachusetts Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
An attorney in Waltham, 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.
If you find yourself actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a Waltham, Massachusetts attorney with experience 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.