Tax Evasion Lawyers in Lexington

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

Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Lexington, 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 purposely attempting to get out of one's tax liability through illegal 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 Lexington, Virginia

Under federal and state law, including the laws of Virginia, tax evasion is a very significant crime.

In Lexington, tax evasion can result in anything from a comparatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.

In most cases, especially when the amount of taxes evaded is small, and it's a first offense, the punishment will usually be fairly mild. It will usually result in an order to pay the taxes the defendant owes, plus a small financial penalty. This is especially likely when it cannot be proven that the failure to pay taxes was willful.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in Lexington, Virginia purposely concealed income, in order to get out of paying taxes, a court will most likely impose the heaviest penalties allowed by law, including enormous fines, and several years in prison.

A Lexington, Virginia Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

Tax lawyers in Lexington, Virginia can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more quickly, and adhere with federal and local tax laws.

In the unfortunate event that you're actually charged with tax evasion, it's crucial that you hire a qualified tax attorney in Lexington, 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.