Tax Evasion Lawyers in Rapid City
In South Dakota, "tax evasion" is a crime that involves a deliberate failure to pay the taxes that the taxpayer legally owes.
Typically, the strategy employed by tax evaders in Rapid City, South Dakota is to try and make it look like they have less taxable income than they actually do. This can be done by failing to report income, concealing it, or fraudulently transferring property.
"Tax evasion" should be distinguished from "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the illegal act of trying to hide one's tax liability. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is perfectly legal, and simply involves using the tax laws strategically, to reduce one's actual tax liability as much as possible.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Rapid City, South Dakota
Under federal and state law, including the laws of South Dakota, tax evasion is a very serious crime.
The penalties for tax evasion in Rapid City can range anywhere from small fines to huge fines, along with prison sentences of several years.
Typically, 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 deliberate evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.
But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Rapid City, South Dakota intentionally concealed income, in order to get out of paying taxes, a court will most likely impose the heaviest penalties allowed by law, including enormous fines, and several years in prison.
A Rapid City, South Dakota Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Tax lawyers in Rapid City, South Dakota can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.
If you find yourself actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a Rapid City, South Dakota attorney with experience practicing tax law, as soon as possible. Your tax attorney can help you defend yourself against the charges, ensuring that you have a good chance at being acquitted.