Tax Evasion Lawyers in Ste. Genevieve

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

Normally, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Ste. Genevieve, 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 knowingly 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 Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

Under federal and state law, including the laws of Missouri, tax evasion is a very serious crime.

Punishments for evading one's taxes in Ste. Genevieve range from paying back taxes plus interest (a relatively mild punishment) all the way up to years in prison, and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

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.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri knowingly attempted to harbor income or assets for the purpose of getting out of taxes, a court will probably throw the book at them, so to speak. This can mean jail sentences measured in years, and fines in the six or seven figures.

A Ste. Genevieve, Missouri Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Ste. Genevieve, 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.

Of course, if you've truly been accused of tax evasion, you should hire a Ste. Genevieve, Missouri tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.