Tax Evasion Lawyers in Broken Arrow
In Oklahoma, "tax evasion" is a crime that involves a willful failure to pay the taxes that the taxpayer legally owes.
Normally, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma 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 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 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
The laws of the federal government, as well as Oklahoma take tax evasion quite seriously, making it a crime.
Tax evaders in Broken Arrow can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of punishments available, with the ones just mentioned representing the most severe options available.
Normally, a first offense of tax evasion, if the amount of tax evaded is relatively small, will not result in jail time or massive fines. This is especially the case if the government has trouble proving that the failure to pay taxes was the result of purposeful evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.
However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma committed purposeful 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 Broken Arrow, Oklahoma Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Attorneys in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma who practice tax law can help you stay in compliance with your tax obligations. This is a good way to ensure that you won't be suspected of tax evasion in the first place.
Of course, if you've truly been accused of tax evasion, you should hire a Broken Arrow, Oklahoma tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.