Tax Evasion Lawyers in Rocky River

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

There are a few strategies that tax evaders use in Rocky River, 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.

It's important not to confuse "tax avoidance" and "tax evasion." They are two different things, but some people mistakenly use them interchangeably. Tax avoidance involves utilizing legal methods, such as tax deductions and exemptions, in a strategic manner, for the purpose of reducing one's tax liability. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal. Tax evasion involves fraud, and a deliberate attempt to avoid meeting one's legal commitments to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Rocky River, Ohio

The federal government and the laws of Ohio impose grave penalties for tax evasion - treating it as an extremely serious crime.

Tax evaders in Rocky River can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of penalties available, with the ones just mentioned representing the most severe options available.

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

However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Rocky River, Ohio committed intentional fraud, in order to evade their legal duty to pay taxes, a tax court is probably going to impose a more severe penalty, which may include jail time, and large financial penalties.

A Rocky River, Ohio Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Rocky River, 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.

Of course, if you've actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact a Rocky River, Ohio tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.