Can you go to jail for not paying taxes? The answer is that it depends on the circumstances and your intentions. According to the experts at Accounting & Tax Advisers CPAs, it’s essential to understand what the IRS considers tax crimes.
Consulting a professional tax specialist is the best way to keep on the right side of the IRS. First, read through the long answer to the question: “Can you go to jail for not paying taxes?” Then, take some time to learn about choosing a tax preparation service from the Accounting & Tax Advisers CPAs’ team.
When Can You Go to Jail for Not Paying Taxes?
Tax crimes are typically civil rather than criminal matters. However, you may end up behind bars if you willfully:
- Practice tax evasion by not filing your tax form
- File a fraudulent tax return to reduce your tax liability
- Claim deductions that you didn’t incur
- Accept money under the table to avoid having to declare it
Essentially, the IRS will consider the intention behind your actions. They may charge you criminally if they can prove that you willfully set out to commit tax fraud.
When Can You Avoid Jail for Not Paying Taxes?
For many citizens, tax forms are confusing, and people don’t purposefully set out to defraud the IRS. They may make a mistake on the record or genuinely be in a position where they’re unable to pay.
For these people, the answer to “Can you go to jail for not paying taxes?” is “No.” The IRS is in the business of collecting revenue rather than trying to punish people who make mistakes. So, they allow you to file corrections and explain anomalies.
If you’re not in a position to pay the sum due, you have two options:
- Suggest a reasonable payment plan
- Make a fair offer in compromise
The team at Accounting & Tax Advisers CPAs can assist you in filing the corrections and negotiating with the IRS on your behalf.
Why Choose Us to Assist You?
Tax laws are complex and subject to frequent changes. They differ from state to state, and state taxes differ from federal taxes. Understanding the implications and applications of the detailed regulations is imperative if you wish to maintain a clear tax record.
Accounting & Tax Advisors CPA is an established firm with a 25-year track record. In addition, our leading partners have over 100 years of combined experience, with all three specializing in taxation.
We assist thousands of individuals like yourself in navigating the sometimes murky world of tax regulations. We also help business owners maximize their tax savings and maintain compliance with the IRS. Using our expertise, we’ve saved our clients millions of dollars.
We’re with you every step of the way. Our team will analyze your finances and provide advice on how to structure your finances going forward. We’ll help you identify deductions you qualify for and ensure that your tax return is 100% correct.
When Accounting & Tax Advisers CPAs handle your affairs, the question, “Can you go to jail for not paying taxes?” becomes a moot point. Contact us at (630) 932-9600 or through our website for more information on tax services by Accounting & Tax Advisers CPAs.