{"id":377157,"date":"2016-03-31T21:37:16","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:37:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/washington-law\/washington-tax-fraud-and-tax-evasion-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:49:06","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:49:06","slug":"washington-tax-fraud-and-tax-evasion-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/washington-law\/washington-tax-fraud-and-tax-evasion-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Washington Tax Fraud and Tax Evasion Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Washington Tax Fraud and Tax Evasion Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Washington, like most other states, relies on businesses and citizens to voluntarily pay their taxes. However, some businesses and citizens purposely avoid or underpay in order to avoid their tax responsibilities. That’s where the law steps in.<\/p>\n

Tax Fraud and Tax Evasion in Washington<\/h2>\n

In the Evergreen State, tax fraud<\/a> and tax evasion<\/a> are serious financial crimes that carry steep penalties upon conviction. These crimes can happen a number of ways including cases involving tax fraud or deceit in order to defraud the government.<\/p>\n

Tax evasion may involve claiming deductions that don’t apply or not reporting income. Here, the intent is to avoid paying taxes.<\/p>\n

For example, not declaring all of your income, deliberately overstating expenses or deductions, or failing to file tax returns when you have taxable income in an attempt to avoid detection are all examples of tax fraud-related crimes.<\/p>\n

Punishment<\/h2>\n

Tax fraud is punishable by both civil (i.e. money) and criminal (i.e. jail time and money) penalties. In addition to state law penalties, individuals committing tax fraud can also be investigated by the Internal Revenue Service<\/a> (IRS).<\/p>\n

The following table highlights the main provisions of Washington state’s tax fraud and tax evasion laws.
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\nSee also Financial Crimes<\/a>,White Collar Crimes<\/a>, and Fraud<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n
Code Section<\/b><\/td>\n

RCW 82.32.290<\/a> et. seq.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

What is Prohibited<\/b><\/td>\nFailing to file your tax returns, underreporting your income, or knowingly claiming excess deductions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Penalties<\/b><\/td>\n

Criminal (misdemeanor or felony) and\/or civil penalties including full payment of back taxes with interest.<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Possible Associated Crimes<\/b><\/td>\nEmbezzlement, forgery, fraud, falsifying business records, grand theft and more.<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Where to Report Suspected Tax Fraud<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n

Washington State Department of Revenue<\/a> , 1-800-647-7706<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>

Common Types of Tax Fraud\/Tax Evasion<\/b><\/p>\n<\/td>\n