Tax Evasion Lawyers in Westland
In Michigan "tax evasion" is the crime of failing to pay the taxes that they owe.
There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Westland, Michigan. One of the most common tactics is to make it appear that the taxpayer has less taxable income than they actually do. There are a wide variety of ways to conceal income for the purpose of evading one's tax liability, but all of them are illegal.
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 using 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 Westland, Michigan
Under the laws of Michigan, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very severe criminal offense.
In Westland, the punishments for tax evasion can range from a court order to pay back taxes, plus a small fine, and range all the way up to fines in the tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars, and imprisonment.
However, the punishments for tax evasion, especially first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not usually so severe, especially when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.
On the other hand, if the prosecution can prove that a Westland, Michigan taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most severe punishment that's allowed by law. This can easily involve jail time.
A Westland, Michigan Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A Westland, Michigan attorney who specializes in tax law can help ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable tax laws, making an accusation of tax evasion less likely.
In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's critical that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Westland, Michigan. If you are actually innocent, your tax attorney can help make sure that you have the best chance you can of being found not guilty.