Tax Evasion Lawyers in Commack
Tax Evasion in New York is a criminal act in which someone knowingly fails to pay their taxes.
Most frequently, people who try to evade their taxes in Commack, New York will take steps to harbor their assets and income, or transferring their property to other legal entities in a fraudulent manner.
You may also be familiar with the term "tax avoidance." It is critical that you don't confuse this with "tax evasion." Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and is probably something that every taxpayer does whenever they file, whether they know it or not. It involves employing legal methods to make one's tax liability as small as possible, taking advantages of deductions and other tax breaks.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Commack, New York
Under the laws of New York, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very serious criminal offense.
The penalties for tax evasion in Commack 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 deliberate.
But if the government is able to definitively establish that a defendant in Commack, New York intentionally engaged in fraud to get out of paying taxes, a tax court is highly unlikely to show any leniency, and may well sentence the defendant to prison time.
A Commack, New York Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A Commack, New York 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 critical that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in Commack, New York. 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.