Jefferson County Tax Evasion Lawyer

The federal, state, and local governments all rely on collecting taxes from Jefferson County citizens to function. As such, there are numerous laws that penalize intentional or even negligent acts that result in unpaid or unreported tax liabilities.

These laws come with harsh penalties, and defending against accusations of tax evasion often involves dealing with the weighty resources of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Hiring a Jefferson County tax evasion lawyer may be a wise investment when facing allegations of skipping tax payment. A well-versed fraud attorney could explain your rights and build a defense case on your behalf.

There are both civil and criminal laws that prohibit tax evasion at both the state and the federal level. At the state level, Alabama Code §40-29-110 prohibits any willful effort to avoid paying taxes. Nondisclosure of taxable assets can run afoul of this law, as may an attempt to avoid paying a known and recognized tax obligation.

There are also other laws that might impact a case of purported tax evasion. To name just one example, the IRS could pursue federal charges against allegedly unpaid taxes and may issue civil penalties and fines. A consultation with a Jefferson County tax evasion attorney may help to unscramble the specific accusations that could be on the table in a particular case.

The state law that prohibits tax evasion carries significant penalties for a conviction. As a felony offense, it could result in up to five years in jail and fines of up to $100,000, or $500,000 if the alleged offender is a corporation.

It should be noted that the IRS may also pursue its own penalties and has numerous options regarding how to do so. As an experienced defense attorney could explain, not filing a tax return on time or underreporting income may lead to a penalty.

Also, if the IRS even suspects an error is intentional, the issue could move from a civil offense to a criminal one, the latter of which carries higher penalties. Even if a criminal case does begin, penalties that apply to negligent civil offenses may still be on the table simple if the alleged criminal offense involves fraud.

Contrary to some other criminal charges, tax evasion comes with a statute of limitations that requires prosecutors and the IRS to file criminal charges sooner rather than later. Since there are so many different actions that the state or the IRS can take against purported tax evaders, there are also different statutes of limitations that could be in effect for a given situation.

Typically, tax evasion allegations must be brought within six years of the alleged offense. A discussion with a tax evasion lawyer in Jefferson County could clarify if this is the case in a given circumstance.

If you were accused of tax evasion or notified that you are about to be audited by the IRS, talking to a Jefferson County tax evasion lawyer could be a wise decision to make. There are numerous options that the IRS can take to secure what it believes is owed to them in tax liabilities, and fully understanding what might happen could help you make an informed decision that protects your interests. Protect your financial well-being for tomorrow and call an attorney today.