Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Paying the IRS Voluntary?

Last week we discussed whether or not filing your taxes was voluntary. This week we will discuss whether or not paying your taxes is voluntary.

Some argue that they are not required to pay federal taxes because the payment of federal taxes is voluntary. Proponents of this position argue that our system of taxation is based upon voluntary assessment and payment. They frequently claim that there is no provision in the Internal Revenue Code or any other federal statute that requires them to pay or makes them liable for income taxes, and they demand that the IRS show them the law that imposes tax on their income. The stance that is taken is that until the IRS can prove to these taxpayers’ satisfaction, which is effectively impossible because they never will be satisfied, the existence and applicability of the income tax laws, they will not report or pay income taxes. These taxpayers reflexively dismiss any attempt by the IRS to identify the laws, thereby continuing the cycle. The IRS has issued Revenue Ruling 2007-20, 2007-14 I.R.B. 863, discussing this frivolous position at length and warning taxpayers of the consequences of asserting it.

The Law: The requirement to pay taxes is not voluntary and is clearly set forth in section 1 of the Internal Revenue Code, which imposes a tax on the taxable income of individuals, estates, and trusts as determined by the tables set forth in that section. (Section 11 imposes a tax on the taxable income of corporations.)Furthermore, the obligation to pay tax is described in section 6151, which requires taxpayers to submit payment with their tax returns. Failure to pay taxes could subject the noncomplying individual to criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment, as well as civil penalties. We have discussed before the troubles of major celebrities like Helio Castroneves and Wesley Snipes. There are many cases that could be cited, but they all end the same, and that’s on the IRS’ side! Again, please don’t wait around to file your returns or get into a resolution with the IRS; the IRS isn’t waiting for you anymore!

2 comments:

靜如 said...

這麼好的部落格,以後看不到怎麼辦啊!!.................................................................

Anonymous said...

Government uses force to extract taxes from its subjects. It may be legal, but that doesn't make it right. Taxation = Extortion. Might doesn't make right. If the majority refuses to give in to these government thugs, they will no longer have the power to oppress.