Hate paying taxes? Want to put it off?
Don’t!
The Fourth Appellate District of the California Court of Appeals in a split decision ruled that you could be prosecuted for felony tax evasion if you did not file tax returns for three consecutive years.
In Hudson v. Superior Court the Appellate Court held evidence of failing to file was sufficient for felony charges. It reasoned that the failure to act was tantamount to the intent to evade taxes. The panel refused to interpret state law to be consistent with federal law that requires proof of affirmative acts of tax evasion.
Thus, in California, failure to file state tax returns can result in felony criminal prosecutions.
Play it safe. Get those California State tax returns in on time, every time, or risk living behind bars.
The information presented is not intended to be, and does not constitute, “legal advice.” Because each situation varies, and only brief summary information is provided here, you should not use this information as a basis for action unless you have independently verified with your own counsel that it applies to your particular situation.
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