Tax Evasion Lawyers in Ferguson

Tax Evasion in Missouri is a criminal act in which someone willfully fails to pay their taxes.

Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Ferguson, Missouri that one's tax liability is lower than it actually is. This can include concealing income, making fraudulent transfers of property, and other illegal activities.

"Tax evasion" should not be confused with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the act of willfully attempting to get out of one's tax liability through illegal means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves utilizing legal strategies (such as taking advantage of deductions and tax credits) to reduce one's legal tax liability. However, someone engaging in tax avoidance typically intends to pay whatever they end up owing, even as they try to reduce the amount they owe.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Ferguson, Missouri

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

In Ferguson, tax evasion can result in anything from a comparatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.

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 intentional.

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

A Ferguson, Missouri Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Ferguson, 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 Ferguson, 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.