-
Top 1% of Defence Law Firms
-
Defended over 50,000 Cases
-
5 star google reviews
-
40 Years of Criminal Law Expertise
Are you facing a charge of tax evasion and wondering about the potential maximum sentence for the offence? If so, you are among many. Concerns regarding potential sentences are frequently raised by clients when consulting their solicitors. Although the penalties for tax evasion can be severe, solicitors can employ various strategies to potentially reduce your time behind bars, should you be convicted. This article provides a brief overview of the offence of tax evasion, explores the maximum sentence you could face, highlights key aspects from the sentencing guidelines, discusses how a solicitor can assist in mitigating your sentence, and suggests further avenues for assistance.
What is the offence of tax evasion?
In England, tax evasion refers to the illegal act of deliberately avoiding paying taxes owed to the government. The primary statutes governing tax evasion in the UK include:
- Sections 50, 170, and 170B of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979
- Section 1 of the Fraud Act 2006
- Section 106A of the Taxes Management Act 1970
- Section 17 of the Theft Act 1968
- Section 72 of the Value Added Tax Act 1994
To secure a conviction for tax evasion, the prosecution must typically prove the following elements:
- Deliberate Act: The defendant intentionally engaged in activities to evade paying taxes.
- Non-disclosure: The defendant failed to disclose accurate information about their income, assets, or liabilities to the tax authorities.
- Fraudulent Intent: The defendant acted with fraudulent intent to deceive the tax authorities.
- Materiality: The evasion involves a significant amount of money or assets.
- Knowledge: The defendant was aware of their obligations to pay taxes and intentionally chose to evade them.
- Concealment: The defendant took steps to conceal their income or assets from the tax authorities.
- Use of False Documents: The defendant used false documents or statements to misrepresent their financial situation.
- Pattern of Behaviour: The evasion was not an isolated incident but part of a systematic pattern of fraudulent activity.
- Evidence of Intent: There is evidence to suggest that the defendant intended to evade taxes, such as incriminating emails, documents, or witness testimonies.
- Benefit: The defendant obtained a financial benefit from the evasion, such as keeping more money for themselves or their business.
Examples of tax evasion offences include:
- Underreporting income from self-employment or business activities.
- Falsifying expenses or deductions to reduce taxable income.
- Concealing offshore bank accounts or assets to avoid taxation.
- Creating fake invoices or receipts to inflate business expenses.
- Engaging in cash transactions to evade detection of income.
- Submitting false VAT returns to claim fraudulent refunds.
- Misrepresenting personal expenses as business expenses for tax purposes.
- Providing false information on tax returns regarding investments or capital gains.
- Using shell companies or nominee directors to hide the true ownership of assets.
- Intentionally failing to register for taxes or update tax records to avoid paying taxes.
What is the maximum sentence for tax evasion?
The maximum sentence for tax evasion in England and Wales depends on various factors, including the severity of the offence and the specific circumstances of the case. The Sentencing Council provides guidelines to assist judges in determining appropriate sentences for tax evasion offences when the tax evasion counts as revenue fraud.
According to the Sentencing Council, the level of harm and culpability associated with the offence are key considerations in sentencing. The guideline categorises offences into different levels of seriousness, ranging from low to very high, based on the amount of money involved and the degree of planning and sophistication of the evasion.
For example, for cases involving tax evasion exceeding £500,000, or where the offender’s culpability is assessed as very high, the guideline suggests a starting point for sentencing of up to 12 years’ imprisonment for the most serious cases. Conversely, for less severe cases involving lower amounts of evasion and lower levels of culpability, the guideline recommends starting points of community orders or custodial sentences of up to several years.
Judges have discretion in sentencing and may deviate from the guidelines based on the specific circumstances of each case, including mitigating or aggravating factors. Additionally, sentences may be influenced by factors such as the defendant’s previous criminal record, cooperation with authorities, and the impact of the offence on victims or the public.
Tax evasion is considered a serious offence in England and Wales, and offenders may face substantial fines and lengthy custodial sentences, particularly in cases involving large sums of money or significant levels of deception.
What factors influence sentencing for tax evasion?
When sentencing for tax evasion in England and Wales, judges consider various factors to determine an appropriate punishment. These factors include both aggravating and mitigating circumstances, as well as considerations outlined in Sentencing Council guidance. Here are the main considerations:
- Amount of Evasion: The magnitude of the tax evasion, including the total amount of tax evaded, is a crucial factor. Higher amounts of evasion generally lead to more severe sentences.
- Culpability of the Offender: The level of culpability of the offender is assessed based on their role, intent, and degree of involvement in the evasion. Individuals who play a leading role or engage in deliberate and sophisticated schemes are considered more culpable.
- Aggravating Factors: These are circumstances that increase the seriousness of the offence and may result in harsher penalties. Aggravating factors in tax evasion cases may include:
- Deliberate concealment or falsification of records.
- Attempts to obstruct or deceive tax authorities.
- Repeated or systematic evasion over a period of time.
- Involvement of others in the evasion scheme.
- Attempts to dissipate assets to avoid tax liabilities.
- Mitigating Factors: These are circumstances that lessen the offender’s culpability or indicate remorse, which may lead to more lenient sentences. Mitigating factors in tax evasion cases may include:
- Cooperation with tax authorities, such as voluntary disclosure of wrongdoing.
- Prompt payment of outstanding taxes, penalties, or fines.
- Genuine ignorance or misunderstanding of tax laws, though this is rarely accepted as a complete defence.
- Previous good character or evidence of positive contributions to society.
- Personal or financial hardship that contributed to the offence.
- Impact on Victims and the Public: The harm caused by the evasion, including its impact on tax revenues, public services, and the integrity of the tax system, is considered during sentencing.
- Level of Planning and Deception: The degree of planning and sophistication involved in the evasion scheme is assessed. Highly organised or complex schemes may attract harsher sentences.
- Previous Convictions: The defendant’s criminal history, including any previous convictions for tax offences or other related crimes, is taken into account.
- Early Guilty Plea: Defendants who plead guilty at an early stage of proceedings may receive a reduced sentence as a recognition of their cooperation and acceptance of responsibility.
- Personal Circumstances: Factors such as age, health, family responsibilities, and employment status may be considered in determining an appropriate sentence.
By considering these factors, judges aim to ensure that sentences for tax evasion are proportionate, fair, and reflective of the seriousness of the offence and the circumstances of the offender.
How can a solicitor help with reducing the sentence for tax evasion?
Having a solicitor on side is crucial in helping to reduce the sentence for tax evasion. They achieve this by providing expert legal advice, building a strong defence strategy, and advocating on behalf of the defendant throughout the legal process. Here’s how a solicitor can assist in mitigating the sentence:
- Legal Expertise: Solicitors specialising in criminal law, particularly in the field of tax evasion, possess in-depth knowledge of relevant legislation, case law, and sentencing guidelines. They can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the case and advise on the most effective defence strategies.
- Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Solicitors have the resources and expertise to conduct thorough investigations, gather evidence, and identify any mitigating factors that could potentially reduce the severity of the sentence. This may include obtaining financial records, witness statements, and expert opinions to support the defence case.
- Negotiation with Prosecution: Solicitors can engage in negotiations with the prosecution to explore opportunities for plea bargains or alternative resolutions that could lead to reduced charges or sentences. This may involve presenting mitigating evidence and arguments to the prosecution to secure a more favourable outcome for the defendant.
- Court Representation: Solicitors advocate on behalf of the defendant in court proceedings, presenting legal arguments, challenging evidence, and cross-examining witnesses to strengthen the defence case. Their experience and expertise in courtroom procedures can significantly impact the outcome of the trial.
- Sentencing Mitigation: Solicitors can make compelling representations to the court during sentencing hearings, highlighting mitigating factors and presenting persuasive arguments for leniency. They may also assist in preparing mitigation reports and character references to demonstrate the defendant’s remorse, rehabilitation prospects, and positive contributions to society.
Where to get more help
Worries regarding the potential sentence for tax evasion can be overwhelming, leaving you with many pressing questions. For further assistance and advice concerning sentencing and other aspects pertaining to the offence of tax evasion, reach out to the experts at Stuart Miller Solicitors without delay. Our approachable and understanding team is here to assist you with your case.
OUR COMMITMENTS TO YOU:
-
Responsive
A legal expert will consult you within 24 hours of making an enquiry.
-
Empathetic
We will always treat you with trust, understanding and respect.
-
Specialised
Your case will be handled by an expert who specialises in your type of offence.
-
Proactive
We will take early action to end proceedings as soon as it is practically and legally possible to do so.
-
Engaged
You will be kept updated on your case at all times. We will provide a named contact available to answer your questions.
-
Caring
We understand this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your family. Our team will support you every step of the way.
-
Tenacious
We will never give up on your case. We fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.
Google Rating
Based on 356 reviews
×
