Tax Evasion Lawyers in Fairfax County

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

Normally, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Fairfax County, 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 deliberately 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 Fairfax County, Virginia

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

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

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.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can establish that a Fairfax County, 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 Fairfax County, Virginia Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Fairfax County, Virginia 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 Fairfax County, Virginia 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.