Tax Evasion Lawyers in Monroe

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

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

The federal government and the laws of Washington impose severe penalties for tax evasion - treating it as an extremely serious crime.

In Monroe, tax evasion can result in anything from a relatively small fine, and a court order to pay any back taxes as well as interest, all the way up to financial penalties in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, as well as jail time.

In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is especially likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion normally mean a small fine, on top of an order to pay whatever taxes the taxpayer owes. A minor punishment is most likely when the government has trouble proving that fraud was involved, as opposed to an honest accounting error.

On the other hand, if the prosecution can establish that a Monroe, 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 Monroe, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Monroe, 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 truly charged with tax evasion, it's essential that you hire a knowledgeable tax attorney in Monroe, 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.