Poughkeepsie Tax Evasion Lawyer

Experienced Defense Against Tax Evasion Charges in New York

Tax evasion is the crime of willfully failing to pay taxes that are due to the state. It is considered a felony in New York, and it is punishable by fines, imprisonment, and restitution. If you are facing tax evasion charges, you need skilled and experienced representation to defend your rights and freedoms. At McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC, our tax evasion attorneys in Poughkeepsie, NY, can help you fight your charges and protect your future.

Call McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC today at (845) 209-1355 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our tax evasion attorney in Poughkeepsie.

What is Tax Evasion?

Tax evasion is considered the illegal act of deliberately underreporting or concealing income, inflating deductions, or engaging in other fraudulent activities to reduce one's tax liability. This unlawful practice differs from tax avoidance, which involves legitimate strategies to minimize tax liability through legal means. Tax evasion, conversely, involves deliberate deception with the intent to pay less in taxes than what is legally owed.

Tax evasion can take various forms, such as:

• Underreporting Income: This occurs when an individual or business intentionally fails to report their full income on tax returns.
• Hiding Assets: Concealing assets, offshore accounts, or using shell companies to avoid reporting income or assets.
• Inflating Deductions: Overstating deductions, expenses, or losses to reduce taxable income.
• False Documentation: Submitting false or forged documents to support fraudulent deductions or expenses.
• Engaging in Money Laundering: Using illicit methods to make illegally gained income appear legitimate.
• Engaging in Identity Theft: Stealing another person's identity to file fraudulent tax returns.

What are the Penalties for Tax Evasion in New York?

Tax evasion is a serious offense in New York, and the penalties can be severe. The consequences of a conviction for tax evasion may include:

• Criminal Penalties: Those found guilty of tax evasion may face criminal charges, including fines, probation, or even imprisonment. The severity of these penalties depends on the amount of tax evaded, the duration of the fraudulent activity, and other factors.
• Civil Penalties: In addition to criminal penalties, the state and federal tax authorities may assess civil penalties. These can include substantial fines, interest, and additional tax assessments.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: Professionals, such as lawyers, accountants, and medical practitioners, who are convicted of tax evasion may face disciplinary actions, including the suspension or revocation of their professional licenses.
• Damage to Reputation: A tax evasion conviction can severely damage an individual's or a business's reputation, making it challenging to secure employment, loans, or business opportunities in the future.
• IRS Audits: A conviction for tax evasion may trigger further scrutiny from the IRS, leading to additional audits and investigations.

Defenses Against Tax Evasion Charges

Some defenses that may be applicable in tax evasion cases may include:

• Lack of Intent: Proving that you did not have the intent to evade taxes can be a strong defense. This may involve demonstrating that the actions leading to the tax evasion charges were unintentional.
• Mistaken Identity: If you were wrongly accused of tax evasion, you can assert that you were not the one responsible for the fraudulent activity.
• Lack of Sufficient Evidence: Challenging the evidence against you, such as incomplete or unreliable documentation, can weaken the prosecution's case.
• Procedural Errors: Identifying errors in the investigative process or the collection of evidence can lead to the dismissal of charges.
• Statute of Limitations: Asserting that the charges were filed outside the statute of limitations can be a valid defense.
• Coercion or Duress: If you were compelled to commit the fraudulent actions under threat or duress, this can be a potential defense.
• Insufficient Proof of Fraud: Demonstrating that there is insufficient evidence to prove that fraudulent intent existed can help your case.

Contact Our Poughkeepsie Tax Evasion Attorney Today

The consequences of a tax evasion conviction can be severe, affecting your financial well-being, reputation, and freedom. At McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC, we are dedicated to delivering the legal representation you need to protect your rights and interests. Our Poughkeepsie tax evasion lawyer will work diligently to evaluate your case, build a strong defense, and guide you through the legal process. Your future is at stake, and we are here to help you secure the best possible outcome in your case.

Contact McCabe, Coleman, Ventosa & Patterson PLLC today to get started with our Poughkeepsie tax evasion lawyer.