TAX EVASION

tax evasion. The willful attempt to defeat or circumvent the tax law in order to illegally reduce one’s tax liability. • Tax evasion is punishable by both civil and criminal penalties. — Also termed tax fraud. Cf. TAX AVOIDANCE. [Cases: Internal Revenue 5263; Taxation 1103. C.J.S. Internal Revenue § 847; Taxation § 1782.]