Tax Evasion Lawyers in Kenmore

Tax evasion is a crime in Washington. 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 Kenmore, 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 Kenmore, Washington

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

Tax evaders in Kenmore can be punished by multi-year prison sentences, as well as six-figure fines. Of course, there is a wide range of penalties available, with the ones just mentioned representing the most severe options available.

However, the punishments for tax evasion, particularly first offenses involving relatively small amounts of money, is not usually so severe, particularly 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 prove that a Kenmore, Washington taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most grave punishment that's allowed by law. This can easily involve jail time.

A Kenmore, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Kenmore, Washington attorney who concentrates in tax law can help ensure that you are in conformity with all applicable tax laws, making an accusation of tax evasion less likely.

If the government actually charges you with tax evasion, it cannot be stressed enough that you need the assistance of a reputable Kenmore, Washington tax attorney. Assuming you're actually innocent, your tax lawyer can help you prepare a defense, and ensure that you have a good chance of being found not guilty. On top of that, they can make getting through such a difficult time much easier.