Tax Evasion Lawyers in West Milford

Tax Evasion in New Jersey is a criminal act in which someone deliberately fails to pay their taxes.

Most frequently, people who try to evade their taxes in West Milford, New Jersey will take steps to harbor their assets and income, or transferring their property to other legal entities in a fraudulent manner.

"Tax evasion" should be distinguished from "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the prohibited act of trying to hide one's tax liability. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is perfectly legal, and simply involves using the tax laws strategically, to reduce one's actual tax liability as much as possible.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in West Milford, New Jersey

Under federal and state law, including the laws of New Jersey, tax evasion is a very severe crime.

The penalties for tax evasion in West Milford can range anywhere from small fines to huge fines, along with prison sentences of several years.

In most cases, particularly when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will typically be fairly mild. It will typically 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 purposeful.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in West Milford, New Jersey deliberately 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 West Milford, New Jersey Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A West Milford, New Jersey 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 truly charged with tax evasion, it's imperative that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in West Milford, New Jersey. 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.