Tax evasion is a crime involving the intentional avoidance of paying taxes due to the state. It is a federal crime and a felony offense, and it is prosecuted aggressively by the government. Contact an Atlanta tax evasion defense attorney immediately if you have been charged. At The Abt Law Firm, we have handled numerous tax evasion cases, and we have the experience and resources to help you fight these accusations.
Facing tax evasion charges in Georgia? Call The Abt Law Firm today at (770) 977-6105 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our tax evasion lawyer in Atlanta!
What Is Tax Evasion?
Tax evasion occurs when a person or business intentionally tries to avoid paying taxes legally owed to the government. This crime can be committed in various ways, and the government will prosecute it harshly.
Tax evasion can include:
- Not reporting income
- Not paying taxes
- Filing false tax returns
- Claiming fraudulent deductions
- Not paying employment taxes
Types of Tax Evasion Crimes
Tax evasion encompasses a variety of illegal activities aimed at avoiding paying the correct amount of taxes owed to the government. Here are some common types:
- Underreporting Income: This involves failing to report all sources of income on tax returns. Individuals might omit income from side jobs, freelance work, or cash transactions to reduce their taxable income.
- Inflating Deductions: Taxpayers may claim deductions that they do not qualify for or exaggerate expenses related to business operations, charitable contributions, or medical expenses to lower their tax liability.
- Failure to File Tax Returns: Some individuals simply do not file their tax returns, avoiding their obligation to report income and pay taxes.
- Offshore Accounts: Hiding money in foreign bank accounts to evade taxes is a common tactic.
- Using Fake Social Security Numbers: Some individuals may use fake or stolen social security numbers to file fraudulent tax returns, claiming refunds that they are not entitled to receive.
- Business Income Concealment: Business owners may underreport sales or overstate business expenses to reduce taxable income. This can involve keeping two sets of books or not reporting cash transactions.
- Misclassification of Workers: Employers may misclassify employees as independent contractors to avoid payroll taxes and benefits obligations, which can also lead to tax evasion charges.
- False Claims for Refunds: Some individuals file fraudulent tax returns with false information to claim refunds they do not deserve, leading to criminal charges.
What are the Penalties for Tax Evasion?
The penalties for tax evasion can be severe. If you are convicted of tax evasion, you can face hefty fines, restitution, and imprisonment. The penalties can be even harsher if you have been convicted of tax evasion. If you have been charged with tax evasion, contact a tax evasion attorney as soon as possible. We can help you fight these charges and protect your rights.
Some of the penalties that you can face include:
- Fines. A person convicted of tax evasion can be fined up to $100,000. The fines can increase depending on the circumstances of the case.
- Restitution. A person convicted of tax evasion can be ordered to pay restitution to the IRS. This can include the taxes owed, along with interest and penalties.
- Imprisonment. A person convicted of tax evasion can be sentenced to up to five years in prison. The length of the sentence will depend on the circumstances of the case.
Our legal team is dedicated to providing personalized strategies tailored to your unique situation. Don't hesitate to reach out for a consultation to discuss the best path forward with our Atlanta tax evasion lawyers.
Common Defenses Against Tax Evasion Charges
Our experienced attorneys at The Abt Law Firm, LLC are well-versed in various legal strategies that may help mitigate or even dismiss your charges. Here are some common defenses we may explore:
- Lack of Intent: Proving that you did not intentionally evade taxes can be a strong defense. If you can demonstrate that any discrepancies were due to honest mistakes or misunderstandings, it may work in your favor.
- Innocent Spouse Defense: If your spouse was responsible for tax filings and you had no knowledge of their actions, you may qualify for this defense, protecting you from liability.
- Statute of Limitations: In some cases, the government may be barred from prosecuting if too much time has passed since the alleged evasion occurred.
- Reliance on Expert Advice: If you can show that you relied on the advice of a tax professional when filing your taxes, this may serve as a defense against claims of willful evasion.
Contact Our Atlanta Tax Evasion Lawyer Today
If you have been charged with tax evasion, contact a tax evasion attorney in Atlanta as soon as possible. At The Abt Law Firm, we have handled numerous tax evasion cases, and we have the experience and resources to help you fight these charges. We are available 24/7 to take your call, and we offer free case evaluations so that you can learn more about your options.
Contact The Abt Law Firm or call today at (770) 977-6105 to schedule a FREE consultation with our tax evasion attorney in Atlanta!
