Tax Evasion Lawyers in Madisonville

In Tennessee, "tax evasion" is a crime that involves a purposeful failure to pay the taxes that the taxpayer legally owes.

Usually, the strategy employed by tax evaders in Madisonville, 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 intentionally attempting to get out of one's tax liability through unlawful means. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and involves utilizing 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 Madisonville, Tennessee

The laws of the federal government, as well as Tennessee take tax evasion extremely seriously, making it a crime.

The penalties for tax evasion in Madisonville can range anywhere from small penalties to huge penalties, along with prison sentences of several years.

Usually, an initial offense of tax evasion, if the amount of tax evaded is comparatively small, will not result in jail time or massive fines. This is particularly the case if the government has trouble proving that the failure to pay taxes was the result of intentional evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.

But if the government is able to definitively show that a defendant in Madisonville, Tennessee intentionally engaged in fraud to get out of paying taxes, a tax court is very unlikely to show any leniency, and may well sentence the defendant to prison time.

A Madisonville, Tennessee Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Attorneys in Madisonville, Tennessee who practice tax law can help you stay in conformity with your tax commitments. This is a good way to confirm 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 Madisonville, Tennessee tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.