Tax Evasion Lawyers in Pittsburgh
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 Pittsburgh, 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 utilizing 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 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The laws of the federal government, as well as Pennsylvania take tax evasion extremely seriously, making it a crime.
In Pittsburgh, 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.
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 particularly true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was willful, as opposed to an honest mistake.
On the other hand, if the prosecution can show that a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most grave punishment that's authorized by law. This can easily involve jail time.
A Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Tax lawyers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more quickly, and adhere with federal and local tax laws.
Of course, if you've really been accused of tax evasion, you should retain a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.