Tax evasion is the illegal practice of avoiding paying taxes by failing to report taxable income or employing fraudulent strategies to reduce taxable income.
Tax evasion is not the same as tax avoidance, though the two terms are often blurred. Tax avoidance is the legal practice of taking advantage of legitimate deductions and credits to minimize ones tax burden. Tax evasion involves the deliberate misreporting of tax information or failure to report any taxable income at all, a criminal activity.
Tax evasion can take many forms, from failure to declare cash income to claiming personal expenses as business deductions to overstating losses on a tax return. It is considered an especially serious crime in most countries, where those convicted may face heavy fines and prison sentences.
In the United States, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) takes a hard line against tax evasion. The agency uses a variety of strategies to find, investigate, and prosecute those involved in intentional tax fraud. These strategies include, informal inquiries, mail audits, field audits, and criminal investigations.
In the United States, tax evasion is considered a form of tax fraud, and it is punishable under the law. The penalties imposed on tax evaders may vary depending on the extent of the crime, from fines to jail time or both.
Individuals found guilty of tax evasion can face stiff fines, including up to 75% of their underpaid tax debt or up to 20 years in prison. A conviction for tax evasion also carries serious collateral consequences, such as being barred from certain professions or being disbarred from practicing law.
The best way to avoid tax evasion penalties is to file accurate tax returns and make timely payments. If you cannot afford to pay your tax bill, you may be eligible to make payment arrangements with the IRS, such as an installment agreement or an offer in compromise. It is important to keep accurate financial records and report all of your income, whether or not it is taxable.
In addition, it is important to be aware of the latest scams and schemes that can be used to commit tax fraud. By recognizing warning signs of tax fraud and reporting suspicious activity, individuals can help protect themselves and the public from tax fraudsters.