Tax Evasion Lawyers in Columbus

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

One of the most common frequent tactics of tax evaders in Columbus, Wisconsin is to attempt to make it appear to an outside observer that their tax liability is lower than it really is, such as by concealing income, fraudulently transferring property, and others.

"Tax evasion" should be distinguished from "tax avoidance." Tax evasion is the unlawful act of trying to hide one's tax liability. Tax avoidance, on the other hand, is perfectly legal, and simply involves using the tax laws strategically, to reduce one's actual tax liability as much as possible.

Penalties for Tax Evasion in Columbus, Wisconsin

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

In Columbus, the punishments for tax evasion can range from a court order to pay back taxes, plus a small fine, and range all the way up to fines in the tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars, and imprisonment.

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 usually 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 show that a Columbus, Wisconsin 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 Columbus, Wisconsin Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help

A Columbus, Wisconsin 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 Columbus, Wisconsin. 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.