Tax avoidance is a way for companies or individuals to pay less taxes than required by the law. It is a process that involves restructuring one’s finances in a way that is not illegal, but takes advantage of loopholes in the tax code to minimize one’s tax liabilities. Many methods of tax avoidance are used by large corporations and high net-worth individuals in order to save money by reducing their tax obligations.
Tax evasion, on the other hand, is the illegal act of paying fewer taxes than one is required by law to pay. It is a criminal act that can result in fines, jail time, and other penalties. Tax evasion is different from tax avoidance because it focuses on bending or breaking the law in order to reduce tax obligations.
Tax avoidance planning is the strategic use of legal methods of tax avoidance to reduce a taxpayer’s overall tax liability. Tax avoidance planning is used in a variety of ways, including the use of specialized entities, tax accounting, tax credits, tax deferment, and offshore investing. All of these methods are legal, but are strategically used in order to reduce the amount of taxes that are owed.
Specialized entities, such as trusts, limited liability corporations (LLCs), and family partnerships can be used to achieve tax avoidance goals. Trusts, which are created to hold assets for the benefit of a third party, can be used to reduce the impact of taxes on investments. LLCs and family partnerships are also used for tax avoidance as they provide owners with certain asset protection benefits as well as other tax advantages.
Tax accounting is another useful tax avoidance tool. Tax accounting involves taking advantage of the deductions and tax credits that are available in order to minimize a taxpayer’s overall tax liability. Tax advisors and CPAs can be consulted in order to expertly navigate the tax code and take advantage of the deductions and credits that are available.
Tax deferment is another method of tax avoidance. This involves deferring income until a future tax year in which taxes can be paid at a lower rate. This is a popular tactic, particularly among high-income earners, and can enable taxpayers to save a significant amount of money.
Offshore investing is another form of tax avoidance. This involves investing in foreign countries with lower taxes than in the United States. Offshore investments can provide investors with both tax savings and asset protection from lawsuits and creditors.
Tax avoidance planning is a sophisticated process that involves an understanding of current tax laws as well as an understanding of financial markets. Tax avoidance planning is typically undertaken by individuals, corporations, or organizations with large sums of assets or income. The best way to ensure success with tax avoidance planning is to consult a professional advisor to ensure that all steps taken are in accordance with the law and will provide the greatest tax savings.