Tax Evasion Lawyers in Des Moines

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

Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Des Moines, 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 utilizing 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 commitments to pay taxes.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Des Moines, Washington

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

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

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.

However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Des Moines, Washington deliberately attempted to conceal income or assets for the purpose of getting out of taxes, a court will probably throw the book at them, so to speak. This can mean jail sentences measured in years, and fines in the six or seven figures.

A Des Moines, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

An attorney in Des Moines, Washington specializing in tax law can help you adhere 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.

Of course, if you've actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact a Des Moines, Washington tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.