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

Nathan Hochman announced the 58-year-old comedian’s arrest during a news conference Thursday afternoon and said Mencia faces 12 criminal tax evasion counts over his failure to submit his state tax returns from 2019 to 2024.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 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

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

From BBC • Mar. 15, 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