Tax Evasion Lawyers in Wilkes Barre
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 Wilkes Barre, 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 may also be familiar with the term "tax avoidance." It is essential that you don't confuse this with "tax evasion." Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and is probably something that every taxpayer does whenever they file, whether they know it or not. It involves employing legal methods to make one's tax liability as small as possible, taking advantages of deductions and other tax breaks.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Wilkes Barre, 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 Wilkes Barre 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.
However, the punishments for tax evasion, especially first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not normally so severe, especially when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.
However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania intentionally 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 Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Attorneys in Wilkes Barre, 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.
Of course, if you've really been accused of tax evasion, you should retain a Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.