tax evasion

American  

noun

1. the nonpayment of taxes, as through the failure to report taxable income.

---

tax evasion British  

noun

1. reduction or minimization of tax liability by illegal methods Compare tax avoidance

---

Etymology

Origin of tax evasion

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

“We are seeing fewer routine criminal tax cases of tax evasion and tax fraud being initiated,” Lee said in an interview.

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

With large unpaid sums at stake, tax evasion counts as a felony that can lead to prison time.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Tax avoidance is different to tax evasion, which is a criminal offence.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

Once, prosecutors hoped to make Ver a marquee example amid concerns about widespread cryptocurrency tax evasion.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

Certainly, the Department of Justice wanted him deported back to the United States to stand trial for his violations, possibly in concert with the Department of the Treasury, for income tax evasion.

From "Endgame" by Frank Brady