Tax Evasion Lawyers in Hampton
Tax evasion is a crime in Virginia. Tax evasion involves intentionally failing to pay one's taxes.
Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Hampton, 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 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 Hampton, Virginia
The laws of the federal government, as well as Virginia take tax evasion very seriously, making it a crime.
Tax evaders in Hampton 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.
Typically, 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 purposeful evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.
However, if the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Hampton, Virginia committed purposeful 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 Hampton, Virginia Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Tax lawyers in Hampton, Virginia can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.
If you find yourself actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a Hampton, Virginia attorney with experience practicing tax law, as soon as possible. Your tax attorney can help you defend yourself against the charges, ensuring that you have a good chance at being acquitted.