Tax Evasion Lawyers in Syracuse
Tax Evasion in New York is a criminal act in which someone intentionally fails to pay their taxes.
There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Syracuse, New York. One of the most typical tactics is to make it appear that the taxpayer has less taxable income than they actually do. There are a wide variety of ways to harbor income for the purpose of evading one's tax liability, but all of them are illegal.
"Tax evasion" should not be confused with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the act of intentionally 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 Syracuse, New York
Under the laws of New York, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very serious criminal offense.
Punishments for evading one's taxes in Syracuse 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.
But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Syracuse, New York intentionally 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 Syracuse, New York Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Tax lawyers in Syracuse, New York can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.
In the unfortunate event that you're truly charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in Syracuse, 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.