Tax Evasion Lawyers in Lisbon

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

Most often, people who try to evade their taxes in Lisbon, Maine will take steps to conceal their assets and income, or transferring their property to other legal entities in a fraudulent manner.

You may also be acquainted with the term "tax avoidance." It is necessary that you don't confuse this with "tax evasion." Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and is probably something that every taxpayer does whenever they file, whether they know it or not. It involves employing legal methods to make one's tax liability as small as possible, taking advantages of deductions and other tax breaks.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Lisbon, Maine

Under the laws of Maine, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very significant criminal offense.

In Lisbon, the penalties for tax evasion can range from a court order to pay back taxes, plus a small fine, and range all the way up to penalties in the tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars, and imprisonment.

In most cases, especially when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will usually be fairly mild. It will usually 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 willful.

However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Lisbon, Maine committed willful 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 Lisbon, Maine Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Lisbon, Maine 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 actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a Lisbon, Maine 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.