Tax Evasion Lawyers in Kirkwood

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

Normally, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Kirkwood, 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 purposely attempting to get out of one's tax liability through prohibited means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves using 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 Kirkwood, Missouri

The laws of the federal government, as well as Missouri take tax evasion quite seriously, making it a crime.

In Kirkwood, tax evasion can result in anything from a relatively 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.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, especially first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not typically so severe, especially when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Kirkwood, Missouri purposely concealed income, in order to get out of paying taxes, a court will most likely impose the heaviest penalties allowed by law, including enormous fines, and several years in prison.

A Kirkwood, Missouri Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Kirkwood, Missouri who practice tax law can help you stay in compliance with your tax obligations. This is a good way to ensure that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.

If the government truly charges you with tax evasion, it cannot be stressed enough that you need the assistance of a knowledgeable Kirkwood, Missouri 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.