Tax Evasion Lawyers in Vancouver
Tax evasion is a crime in Washington. Tax evasion involves knowingly failing to pay one's taxes.
Typically, tax evasion is accompanied by an attempt to make it appear to the government of Vancouver, 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 Vancouver, Washington
Under federal and state law, including the laws of Washington, tax evasion is a very significant crime.
In Vancouver, tax evasion can result in anything from a comparatively 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 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 the relevant tax authorities are able to demonstrate that a taxpayer in Vancouver, Washington committed willful fraud, in order to evade their legal duty to pay taxes, a tax court is probably going to impose a more severe penalty, which may include jail time, and large financial penalties.
A Vancouver, Washington Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A tax attorney in Vancouver, Washington can ensure that you meet your tax liabilities, which will make an audit, or charge of tax evasion, less likely. Sometimes, it's challenging to determine exactly what one's tax liability is, and a tax attorney can help.
Of course, if you've actually been accused of tax evasion, you should contact a Vancouver, Washington tax lawyer immediately. If you are innocent, a tax attorney will make sure you have the best chance possible at being acquitted.