Tax Evasion Lawyers in Battle Creek
In Michigan "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.
Most frequently, people who try to evade their taxes in Battle Creek, Michigan will take steps to harbor 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 crucial 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 Battle Creek, Michigan
Both federal law and the law of Michigan treat tax evasion as a significant criminal offense.
The penalties for tax evasion in Battle Creek can range anywhere from small fines to huge fines, along with prison sentences of several years.
In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is especially likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion normally mean a small fine, on top of an order to pay whatever taxes the taxpayer owes. A minor punishment is most likely when the government has trouble proving that fraud was involved, as opposed to an honest accounting error.
On the other hand, if the prosecution can establish that a Battle Creek, Michigan taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most severe punishment that's permitted by law. This can easily involve jail time.
A Battle Creek, Michigan Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A tax attorney in Battle Creek, Michigan can ensure that you meet your tax liabilities, which will make an audit, or charge of tax evasion, less likely. Sometimes, it's difficult to determine precisely what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.
If the government truly charges you with tax evasion, it cannot be stressed enough that you need the assistance of a knowledgeable Battle Creek, Michigan tax attorney. Assuming you're actually innocent, your tax lawyer can help you prepare a defense, and ensure that you have a good chance of being found not guilty. On top of that, they can make getting through such a difficult time much easier.