Santa Rosa Tax Evasion Defense Attorney

Trusted Legal Defense for Tax Evasion Charges in Santa Rosa, CA

If you are facing tax evasion charges, you need an experienced Santa Rosa tax evasion lawyer to protect your rights and help you navigate this complex legal issue. At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we provide strategic and aggressive representation for individuals and businesses accused of tax fraud and evasion. With our in-depth knowledge of federal and state tax laws, we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.

Call (707) 986-4482 or fill out our online contact form today to speak with our Santa Rosa tax evasion attorneys.

What is Tax Evasion?

Tax evasion is a serious criminal offense that occurs when an individual or business intentionally avoids paying taxes owed to the state or federal government. Unlike tax avoidance, which is a legal strategy to minimize tax liabilities, tax evasion involves illegal actions such as underreporting income, inflating deductions, or hiding assets. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and California state tax authorities aggressively investigate and prosecute tax evasion cases, which can result in severe penalties.

Common Examples of Tax Evasion

Tax evasion can take many forms, including but not limited to:

• Underreporting Income – Failing to report all sources of income to reduce tax liability.
• False Deductions or Credits – Claiming illegitimate deductions or tax credits to lower the amount owed.
• Offshore Accounts – Hiding income or assets in foreign bank accounts to avoid taxation.
• Failure to File Tax Returns – Not submitting tax returns to evade paying taxes altogether.
• Inflating Business Expenses – Overstating expenses to artificially reduce taxable income.
• Payroll Tax Fraud – Failing to remit payroll taxes withheld from employees to the IRS.

Any of these actions could lead to a tax evasion investigation and possible criminal charges. If you are under investigation, seeking immediate legal representation is critical.

State & Federal Tax Evasion Penalties

Both California and federal authorities impose severe penalties for tax evasion. Depending on the circumstances, you could face substantial fines, interest, and even prison time.

Federal Penalties for Tax Evasion

Under the Internal Revenue Code (26 U.S.C. §7201):

• A conviction can result in up to 5 years in federal prison per offense.
• Fines of up to $250,000 for individuals or $500,000 for corporations.
• Civil penalties, including interest and accuracy-related fines up to 75% of unpaid taxes.

California State Tax Evasion Penalties

Under California Revenue and Taxation Code (RTC) §197:

• Up to 3 years in state prison.
• Fines of up to $20,000.
• Civil tax penalties including a 40% fraud penalty on unpaid taxes.
• Potential additional penalties for false statements or fraudulent tax returns.

A conviction for tax evasion can have long-lasting consequences, including damage to your reputation, loss of professional licenses, and financial ruin.

Legal Defenses Against Tax Evasion Charges

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we understand that tax laws are complex, and mistakes happen. Our legal team evaluates every aspect of your case to develop a tailored defense strategy. Some common defenses against tax evasion charges include:

• Lack of Intent – Tax evasion requires intentional wrongdoing. If the government cannot prove that you willfully committed fraud, you cannot be convicted.
• Clerical Errors or Miscalculations – Simple mistakes or miscalculations do not constitute criminal tax evasion.
• Insufficient Evidence – The burden of proof is on the prosecution to show beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed tax evasion.
• Reliance on a Tax Professional – If you relied on an accountant or tax preparer who made errors, you may have a valid defense.
• Statute of Limitations – The IRS and state authorities have limited time to bring charges. If the statute of limitations has expired, the case may be dismissed.
• Lack of Financial Means – Inability to pay taxes due to financial hardship is not tax evasion, as there is no intent to defraud.

How Our Firm Can Help

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we are dedicated to defending clients accused of tax evasion in Santa Rosa and throughout Northern California. When you hire our firm, you benefit from:

• Experienced Tax Defense Lawyers – Our attorneys have a deep understanding of state and federal tax laws.
• Aggressive Legal Representation – We challenge the prosecution’s evidence and negotiate with tax authorities on your behalf.
• Personalized Defense Strategies – Every case is unique, and we tailor our approach to suit your specific circumstances.
• Confidential Consultations – We provide discreet, judgment-free legal counsel to protect your rights and reputation.

To discuss your case with our team, contact us today at (707) 986-4482.