Tax Evasion Lawyers in Kelso

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

Usually, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Kelso, 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 Kelso, Washington

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

Tax evaders in Kelso 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.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, especially first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not normally so severe, especially when it looks like the failure to pay taxes was the result of an honest mistake, rather than deliberate fraud.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can show that a Kelso, Washington taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most severe punishment that's authorized by law. This can easily involve jail time.

A Kelso, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Kelso, Washington 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.

In the unfortunate event that you're really charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a reliable tax attorney in Kelso, Washington. 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.