Tax Evasion Lawyers in Gladstone
In Oregon, "tax evasion" is a crime that involves a deliberate failure to pay the taxes that the taxpayer legally owes.
Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Gladstone, Oregon 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.
You should not confuse "tax evasion" with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is illegal, and involves deliberately failing to pay one's taxes which they lawfully owe. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is legal, and involves using legal strategies to lower one's legal tax liability. For example, strategically using deductions and tax credits to lower the amount of money you are legally obliged to pay, is an example of tax avoidance, assuming you actually pay your tax bill, whatever it ends up being.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Gladstone, Oregon
Under federal and state law, including the laws of Oregon, tax evasion is a very serious crime.
In Gladstone, tax evasion can result in anything from a relatively 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.
Most often, tax evasion - if it's a first offense and the tax liability is small - will not be cause for huge fines or imprisonment. This is especially true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was deliberate, as opposed to an honest mistake.
However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Gladstone, Oregon committed deliberate 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 Gladstone, Oregon Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Attorneys in Gladstone, Oregon 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.
If the government actually charges you with tax evasion, it cannot be stressed enough that you need the assistance of a good Gladstone, Oregon tax attorney. Assuming you're actually innocent, your tax lawyer can help you prepare a defense, and ensure that you have a good chance of being found not guilty. On top of that, they can make getting through such a difficult time much easier.