Tax Evasion Lawyers in Hagerstown
Within Maryland "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.
Most frequently, people who try to evade their taxes in Hagerstown, Maryland will take steps to harbor their assets and income, or transferring their property to other legal entities in a fraudulent manner.
You should not confuse "tax evasion" with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is illegal, and involves deliberately failing to pay one's taxes which they lawfully owe. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is legal, and involves utilizing legal strategies to lower one's legal tax liability. For example, strategically using deductions and tax credits to lower the amount of money you are legally obliged to pay, is an example of tax avoidance, assuming you actually pay your tax bill, whatever it ends up being.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Hagerstown, Maryland
Under the laws of Maryland, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very egregious criminal offense.
Tax evaders in Hagerstown can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of penalties available, with the ones just mentioned representing the most severe options available.
However, the punishments for tax evasion, particularly first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not typically so severe, particularly when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.
However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Hagerstown, Maryland purposely 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 Hagerstown, Maryland Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A Hagerstown, Maryland attorney who concentrates in tax law can help ensure that you are in conformity with all applicable tax laws, making an accusation of tax evasion less likely.
If you find yourself truly accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a Hagerstown, Maryland 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.