tax evasion

American  

noun

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

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tax evasion British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of tax evasion

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

Comedian Carlos Mencia, who broke out in the early 2000s with his Comedy Central series “Mind of Mencia,” was arrested Thursday morning in Los Angeles on suspicion of a dozen felony tax evasion counts.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026

“Preventing activity lest it give rise to tax evasion places no limit whatsoever on Congress’s power under the taxation clause,” Judge Edith Jones writes for the unanimous panel in McNutt v.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

The legislation calls for funding focused on high-income tax evasion, technology operations support, systems modification, and free taxpayer assistance.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Apr. 6, 2026

Not for the stolen grease, Ralph explained — that charge Grover had beaten, just as he’d boasted he would — but for tax evasion.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen