Verokikkailu

Verokikkailu, commonly known as tax evasion in English, refers to the illegal practice of deliberately avoiding or reducing one’s tax liability by misrepresenting or concealing information to tax authorities. In Finland, tax evasion is a serious offense under the Finnish Tax Administration Act and the Penal Code, punishable by fines or imprisonment depending on the severity and scale of the offense.

The Finnish Tax Administration (Verohallinto) actively combats tax evasion through various measures, including audits, inspections, and cooperation with international tax authorities. Taxpayers are legally obligated to report all income, assets, and transactions accurately, and failure to do so can result in penalties, back taxes, and interest charges. The Tax Administration also provides guidance and tools to help individuals and businesses comply with their tax obligations.

Tax evasion can take many forms, such as underreporting income, overstating deductions, or failing to declare foreign assets. In recent years, Finland has strengthened its efforts to combat cross-border tax evasion, aligning with international standards like the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) to exchange financial account information with other countries. High-profile cases, including those involving offshore accounts and shell companies, have drawn attention to the issue and led to increased scrutiny.

While some may attempt to evade taxes due to financial hardship or misunderstanding, it is important to note that tax evasion is not a legal strategy but a criminal act. The Finnish legal system treats tax evasion as a violation of public trust, and authorities take enforcement actions seriously. Taxpayers are encouraged to seek professional advice if unsure about their obligations to avoid unintentional non-compliance.