Tax Evasion Lawyers in Kent
Tax evasion is a crime in Washington. Tax evasion involves knowingly failing to pay one's taxes.
Normally, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Kent, 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 Kent, Washington
Both federal law and the law of Washington treat tax evasion as a significant criminal offense.
Tax evaders in Kent 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 typically 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 establish that a Kent, Washington taxpayer engaged in fraud, and knowingly failed to pay their taxes, a tax court will probably impose the most severe punishment that's permitted by law. This can easily involve jail time.
A Kent, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
Tax lawyers in Kent, Washington can help anyone from an individual to a big business pay their taxes more easily, and comply with federal and local tax laws.
Of course, if you've truly been accused of tax evasion, you should hire a Kent, Washington tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.