Tax evasion is dishonest reporting of the tax income to the tax agency. It may be an overstatement of deductions. It can also be the declaration of less income or less profits than are the reality. Tax evasion may be exposed through an audit or by the testimony of an informant. Tax evasion is a crime. It can result in a hefty fine and imprisonment. How much and how long differs in accordance with the perceived and actual severity of the crime. The penalty also depends upon the jurisdiction - federal, state or municipal. Tax evasion is a serious problem. If a taxpayer finds themselves accused of this criminal offence, he or she will require a tax evasion attorney to help extricate themselves. It may not be possible to have the charges removed. It may be possible, however, to have the damage mitigated or reduced. A tax evasion lawyer can contact the IRS or appropriate tax agencies and negotiate a reduce sentence or financial cost.