Tax Evasion Lawyers in Baldwin Park
"Tax Evasion" refers to the crime of intentionally failing to pay one's taxes, as required by California law.
One of the most common common tactics of tax evaders in Baldwin Park, California is to attempt to make it appear to an outside observer that their tax liability is lower than it actually is, such as by concealing income, fraudulently transferring property, and others.
You may also be acquainted with the term "tax avoidance." It is essential that you don't confuse this with "tax evasion." Tax avoidance is perfectly legal, and is probably something that every taxpayer does whenever they file, whether they know it or not. It involves employing legal methods to make one's tax liability as small as possible, taking advantages of deductions and other tax breaks.
Penalties for Tax Evasion in Baldwin Park, California
The laws of the federal government, as well as California take tax evasion very seriously, making it a crime.
The penalties for tax evasion in Baldwin Park can range anywhere from small penalties to huge penalties, along with prison sentences of several years.
In the majority of tax evasion cases, however, the punishments are not so severe. This is particularly likely in first offenses, when the amount of money involved is fairly small. Minor punishments for tax evasion typically 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.
However, if it can be clearly proven that a person or corporation in Baldwin Park, California intentionally attempted to conceal income or assets for the purpose of getting out of taxes, a court will probably throw the book at them, so to speak. This can mean jail sentences measured in years, and fines in the six or seven figures.
A Baldwin Park, California Tax Evasion Lawyer Can Help
A Baldwin Park, California 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 you find yourself actually accused of tax evasion, and are innocent, you should hire a Baldwin Park, California attorney with expertise practicing tax law, as soon as possible. Your tax attorney can help you defend yourself against the charges, ensuring that you have a good chance at being acquitted.