Tax Evasion Lawyers in Abilene
In Texas, "tax evasion" is a crime that involves a willful failure to pay the taxes that the taxpayer legally owes.
Normally, the strategy employed by tax evaders in Abilene, Texas 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 purposely attempting to get out of one's tax liability through prohibited 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 Abilene, Texas
Under federal and state law, including the laws of Texas, tax evasion is a very serious crime.
Punishments for evading one's taxes in Abilene 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.
Normally, 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.
However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Abilene, Texas committed deliberate fraud, in order to evade their legal duty to pay taxes, a tax court is probably going to impose a more severe penalty, which may include jail time, and large financial penalties.
A Abilene, Texas Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
An Abilene, Texas attorney who specializes in tax law can help ensure that you are in compliance with all applicable tax laws, making an accusation of tax evasion less likely.
If the government truly charges you with tax evasion, it cannot be stressed enough that you need the assistance of a knowledgeable Abilene, Texas tax attorney. Assuming you're actually innocent, your tax lawyer can help you prepare a defense, and ensure that you have a good chance of being found not guilty. On top of that, they can make getting through such a difficult time much easier.