Tax Evasion Lawyers in College Place

Tax evasion is a crime in Washington. Tax evasion involves knowingly failing to pay one's taxes.

Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of College Place, Washington 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.

It's important not to confuse "tax avoidance" and "tax evasion." They are two different things, but some people mistakenly use them interchangeably. Tax avoidance involves using legal methods, such as tax deductions and exemptions, in a strategic manner, for the purpose of reducing one's tax liability. Tax avoidance is perfectly legal. Tax evasion involves fraud, and a deliberate attempt to avoid meeting one's legal obligations to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in College Place, Washington

Both federal law and the law of Washington treat tax evasion as a serious criminal offense.

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

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 deliberate evasion, as opposed to an honest error in accounting.

But, if the government can prove that a defendant in College Place, Washington knowingly 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 College Place, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

An attorney in College Place, Washington specializing in tax law can help you comply with all the tax laws that apply to you, which makes it very unlikely that you'll ever be accused of tax evasion in the first place.

If you find yourself actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a College Place, Washington 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.