Tax Evasion Lawyers in Salem

In Ohio, "tax evasion" is a crime that involves a purposeful failure to pay the taxes that the taxpayer legally owes.

Usually, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Salem, Ohio that one's tax liability is lower than it actually is. This can include concealing income, making fraudulent transfers of property, and other illegal activities.

"Tax evasion" should not be confused with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the act of knowingly attempting to get out of one's tax liability through unlawful 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 Salem, Ohio

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

In Salem, tax evasion can result in anything from a comparatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.

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

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Salem, Ohio knowingly 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 Salem, Ohio Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Salem, Ohio can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more quickly, and adhere with federal and local tax laws.

In the unfortunate event that you're really charged with tax evasion, it's critical that you hire a reliable tax attorney in Salem, 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.