Tax Evasion Lawyers in Gallatin

In Tennessee, "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 Gallatin, Tennessee 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 not be confused with "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the act of knowingly attempting to get out of one's tax liability through illegal means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves using legal strategies (such as taking advantage of deductions and tax credits) to reduce one's legal tax liability. However, someone engaging in tax avoidance typically intends to pay whatever they end up owing, even as they try to reduce the amount they owe.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Gallatin, Tennessee

Under the laws of Tennessee, as well as federal law, tax evasion is a very serious criminal offense.

Tax evaders in Gallatin can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of punishments available, with the ones just mentioned representing the most severe options available.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, especially first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not usually so severe, especially when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can prove that a Gallatin, Tennessee taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most severe punishment that's allowed by law. This can easily involve jail time.

A Gallatin, Tennessee Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Gallatin, Tennessee can ensure that you meet your tax liabilities, which will make an audit, or charge of tax evasion, less likely. Sometimes, it's difficult to determine exactly what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.

In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's critical that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Gallatin, Tennessee. If you are actually innocent, your tax attorney can help make sure that you have the best chance you can of being found not guilty.