As a taxpayer, the law requires you to report your income and pay your taxes in full. You may land in trouble if you illegally avoid paying the taxman their dues. The IRS could place a lien on your property or subject you to fines and other penalties.
However, that is not all there is to tax evasion. You could face criminal charges and possibly end up with a prison sentence or a hefty fine.
Tax evasion is a felony charge
No matter the amounts involved, evading taxes is a felony offense. You could be imprisoned for five years or pay up to $100,000 in fines for tax evasion.
However, like all other criminal cases, your guilt must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt for a conviction. The prosecution must show an attempt to evade the tax payment and that the tax is due and you owe the IRS. Lastly, they must show that you intentionally and willfully violated your legal duty of paying taxes.
Remember, ignorance is not a defense in tax evasion charges. You will not be allowed to go scot-free simply because you were unaware that you did not commit the offense.
Are you facing tax evasion charges?
So much is at stake if you have been charged with or are under investigation for evading taxes. A conviction could result in significant financial ramifications if you don’t end up behind bars.
As such, it is crucial to mount a serious defense that will help you go against your charges and avoid a guilty verdict. Knowing how to respond to investigations is also equally vital as it could shape the direction of your case. It may be in your best interests to seek the necessary assistance that will increase the chances of a positive outcome.