Fayetteville Tax Evasion Lawyer

Tax Evasion Attorney In Fayetteville, NC

If you’re facing tax evasion charges in North Carolina, it’s pertinent to act quickly to protect yourself and your finances. Tax evasion laws can be complicated to navigate on your own, which is why it’s highly recommended to work with a skilled Fayetteville tax evasion lawyer who has experience navigating cases of this nature.

W. James Payne Law Firm has been handling tax evasion cases in Fayetteville for over 40 years, providing us with extensive experience in handling all types of charges at both the state and federal levels. Our team can evaluate your case, investigate the prosecution, and build a strong defense to secure a lighter sentence or have your charges dropped altogether.

Tax Evasion Cases in Fayetteville

When talking about tax evasion, it’s pertinent to talk about tax fraud, too. Tax evasion refers to willfully attempting to evade taxes that are rightfully owed, while tax fraud refers to submitting false information on your taxes. Intent is a key aspect of tax fraud, which means prosecutors must prove that a deliberate act of dishonesty occurred. To prove tax evasion, on the other hand, prosecutors only need to prove negligence.

In fiscal year 2024, there were 440 tax-related crimes reported nationally, seven of which were in North Carolina. The volume of bribery cases is relatively low compared to other types of crimes, but their impact can still be significant. That’s why there are such strong tax evasion laws in North Carolina and across the rest of the country.  To handle these complex cases, it’s important to consult with an experienced bribery defense lawyer.

Comprehensive Taxpayer Attitude Survey

While 84 percent of taxpayers who participated in a recent Comprehensive Taxpayer Attitude Survey (CTAS) agreed that no level of cheating on income taxes is acceptable, it still happens. About 10 percent of respondents said it was okay to cheat a little here and there, while another 6 percent said it was okay to cheat as much as possible.

In the last three years alone, the Department of Revenue has assessed more than $134 million in additional taxes from taxpayers due to fraudulent activity in tax returns. Tax fraud and tax evasion cases result from deliberate errors made on tax returns, such as:

• Excessive credits and exemptions
• Fake business losses
• False deductions
• Inflated expenses

Any act of tax evasion is taken very seriously in North Carolina, so it’s critical that you understand your rights and legal options. When facing these types of charges, you must go up against the North Carolina Department of Revenue and the IRS, so it’s helpful to secure representation of your own. Our team at W. James Payne Law Firm can investigate the charges against you and develop a solution tailored to address your specific issues.

Talk to a Fayetteville Tax Evasion Lawyer About Your Case

W. James Payne Law Firm is a seasoned law firm with over four decades of experience handling a wide range of civil and criminal matters in both state and federal courts. We’ve settled countless cases, ranging from simple misdemeanors to high-level felonies at both the state and federal levels.

Our team has built a great reputation over the years thanks to the countless people we’ve helped. We’ve also earned distinctions like:

• America’s Top 100 Attorneys list
• American Board of Criminal Lawyers
• Police Benevolent Association Award winners
• Rated by SuperLawyers®
• Rated as a Top Attorney by Avvo
• Recognized as Lawyers of Distinction
• Top 100 Trial Lawyers list

Regardless of the nature of your charges, it can be beneficial to have a professional on your side to help you understand your legal options. Our Fayetteville tax evasion lawyers are ready to bring our experience to the table to build a North Carolina solid tax fraud defense strategy that works in your favor.

FAQs

What Qualifies as Tax Evasion in Fayetteville?

Tax evasion is a white collar crime that involves knowingly avoiding the taxes you owe. Failing to report taxable income constitutes tax evasion. There are various methods people can employ to cut corners and pay less on their annual taxes, which can be classified as tax evasion or tax fraud. Some common tactics include falsifying business losses, inflating deductions, and taking advantage of excessive credits and exemptions.

How Is Tax Evasion Charged in Fayetteville?

If you are caught willfully not paying your taxes, you can be charged with a Class 1 felony. Tax fraud is another related charge that involves underpaying tax payments through deliberate activities. This is classified as a Class H felony. Tax evasion is generally considered less serious than tax fraud. This is because of the deliberate nature of tax fraud versus evasion.

What Are the Penalties for Tax Evasion in Fayetteville?

If you’re convicted of tax evasion in North Carolina, you can face both state and federal charges. The severity of your charges will hinge on the nature of the crime. Penalties for a tax evasion conviction typically include hefty fines, lengthy prison sentences, and additional consequences depending on the specifics of the crime.

What Is the Difference Between Tax Evasion and Tax Fraud?

Tax evasion and tax fraud are related to one another, but they are two distinct crimes. Tax evasion refers to the failure to report all taxable income, assets, and earnings. Tax fraud, on the other hand, refers to intentionally submitting false information on a tax return. This includes actions such as claiming false credits or deductions, failing to report income, and using false Social Security numbers.

Hire a Tax Evasion Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in Fayetteville

If you’re facing tax evasion charges, it’s important to act quickly to get yourself back on the right track. Navigating tax evasion laws can be complicated, especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. The good news is you don’t have to do it by yourself.

Instead, you can hire a tax evasion attorney to help you handle all the heavy lifting. Our team at W. James Payne Law Firm has handled many cases through to their conclusion, representing clients in both state and federal courts. That said, we possess the necessary skills and resources to guide you through your case. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with a trusted professional in Fayetteville today.