Tax Evasion Lawyers in Chincoteague

Tax evasion is a crime in Virginia. Tax evasion involves intentionally failing to pay one's taxes.

Normally, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Chincoteague, Virginia that one's tax liability is lower than it actually is. This can include concealing income, making fraudulent transfers of property, and other illegal activities.

"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 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 Chincoteague, Virginia

The federal government and the laws of Virginia impose severe penalties for tax evasion - treating it as an extremely serious crime.

Tax evaders in Chincoteague 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.

Most often, tax evasion - if it's a first offense and the tax liability is small - will not be cause for huge fines or imprisonment. This is especially true if the prosecution can't definitively prove that that the defendant's failure to pay taxes was deliberate, as opposed to an honest mistake.

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

A Chincoteague, Virginia Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A tax attorney in Chincoteague, Virginia 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 precisely what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.

In the unfortunate event that you're truly charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in Chincoteague, Virginia. 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.