Tax Evasion Lawyers in North Berwick

In 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 North Berwick, 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 familiar with the term "tax avoidance." It is critical 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 North Berwick, Maine

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

The penalties for tax evasion in North Berwick 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.

But if the government is able to definitively prove that a defendant in North Berwick, Maine intentionally engaged in fraud to get out of paying taxes, a tax court is highly unlikely to show any leniency, and may well sentence the defendant to prison time.

A North Berwick, Maine Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

An attorney in North Berwick, Maine 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 North Berwick, Maine tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.