Tax Evasion Lawyers in Cleveland Heights
Tax Evasion in Ohio is a criminal act in which someone intentionally fails to pay their taxes.
There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. One of the most common tactics is to make it appear that the taxpayer has less taxable income than they actually do. There are a wide number of ways to conceal 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 illegal means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves utilizing 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 Cleveland Heights, Ohio
The laws of the federal government, as well as Ohio take tax evasion very seriously, making it a crime.
The penalties for tax evasion in Cleveland Heights can range anywhere from small penalties to huge penalties, along with prison sentences of several years.
In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is particularly likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion typically mean a small fine, on top of an order to pay whatever taxes the taxpayer owes. A minor punishment is most likely when the government has trouble proving that fraud was involved, as opposed to an honest accounting error.
But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Cleveland Heights, Ohio 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 Cleveland Heights, Ohio Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A tax attorney in Cleveland Heights, Ohio can ensure that you meet your tax liabilities, which will make an audit, or charge of tax evasion, less likely. Sometimes, it's challenging to determine exactly what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.
In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. 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.