Tax Evasion Lawyers in Norristown
In Pennsylvania, "tax evasion" is a crime that involves a purposeful failure to pay the taxes that the taxpayer legally owes.
One of the most common frequent tactics of tax evaders in Norristown, Pennsylvania is to attempt to make it appear to an outside observer that their tax liability is lower than it really is, such as by concealing income, fraudulently transferring property, and others.
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 Norristown, Pennsylvania
Under the laws of Pennsylvania, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very severe criminal offense.
Punishments for evading one's taxes in Norristown range from paying back taxes plus interest (a relatively mild punishment) all the way up to years in prison, and fines in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is especially likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion usually 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.
However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Norristown, Pennsylvania purposely attempted to hide income or assets for the purpose of getting out of taxes, a court will probably throw the book at them, so to speak. This can mean jail sentences measured in years, and fines in the six or seven figures.
A Norristown, Pennsylvania Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Attorneys in Norristown, Pennsylvania 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 really charges you with tax evasion, it cannot be stressed enough that you need the assistance of a brilliant Norristown, Pennsylvania 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.