Tax Evasion Lawyers in Des Peres

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

There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Des Peres, Missouri. 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 number of ways to conceal income for the purpose of evading one's tax liability, but all of them are illegal.

It's important not to confuse "tax avoidance" and "tax evasion." They are two different things, but some people mistakenly use them interchangeably. Tax avoidance involves utilizing legal methods, such as tax deductions and exemptions, in a strategic manner, for the purpose of reducing one's tax liability. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal. Tax evasion involves fraud, and a deliberate attempt to avoid meeting one's legal commitments to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Des Peres, Missouri

The federal government and the laws of Missouri impose grave penalties for tax evasion - treating it as an extremely serious crime.

Tax evaders in Des Peres 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.

Typically, an initial offense of tax evasion, if the amount of tax evaded is comparatively small, will not result in jail time or massive fines. This is particularly the case if the government has trouble proving that the failure to pay taxes was the result of intentional evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can prove that a Des Peres, Missouri taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most grave punishment that's allowed by law. This can easily involve jail time.

A Des Peres, Missouri Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Des Peres, Missouri 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.

In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's important that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Des Peres, Missouri. 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.