Tax Evasion versus Tax Avoidance Lawyers

What Is Tax Evasion?

Tax evasion is the practice of not paying your taxes.  This is a serious crime if it is not remedied appropriately.

What Is Tax Avoidance?

Tax avoidance is the practice of lawfully arranging your affairs so as to minimize taxes by doing such things as deferring income from year to year. 

What Are the Available Means by which to Avoid or Minimize Taxes?

There are several ways by which you can minimize or eliminate your taxes: 

• Income Deferral
• Tax Deductions
• Charitable Contributions

Income Deferral

The practice of postponing the receipt of income until after midnight on December 31st which allows the income to be taxable for the new year and need not be claimed on the current year¿s tax returns.

Tax Deductions

Tax deductions are items you can deduct from the subtotal of taxes to be paid.  There are both ¿above-the-line¿ and ¿below-the-line¿ deductions which include the following: 

• Casualty and Theft Losses
• Charitable Contributions
• Interest
• Medical and Dental Expenses
• Miscellaneous Itemized Deductions
• Other Taxes

Charitable Contributions

You may deduct contributions to qualified charitable organizations as long as the deduction does not exceed 50% of your adjusted gross income.  Excess deductions can be carried forward to the next five taxable years.  Your adjusted gross income includes your income adjusted downward by specific deductions, but not including standard and itemized deductions. 

What Can You Do if You Are Accused of Tax Evasion?

If you have been accused of Tax Evasion or you are facing an audit, you should speak to a lawyer immediately to learn more about your rights, your defenses and the complicated legal system.