Not paying taxes. I have questions .

[berettafan]

when somebody tells me they don't pay taxes (obviously not a client at that point) my reaction is 'thanks for not chipping in *******'. Politics aside the defense of this nation and our transportation system AND police departments depend on that. And some jerk proudly says 'nah, I don't want to contribute'? **** those guys.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by berettafan

when somebody tells me they don't pay taxes (obviously not a client at that point) my reaction is 'thanks for not chipping in *******'. Politics aside the defense of this nation and our transportation system AND police departments depend on that. And some jerk proudly says 'nah, I don't want to contribute'? **** those guys.

I'm mostly with you. I do what I can to limit my liability within the rules. I'll add to an IRA or 401k or both, take advantage of any pre-tax savings that I can, etc...

And while I would prefer to not have to pay or pay less, like you said, it's that money that keep the country running, so I may not like it, but I understand it and certainly won't cheat my way out of it.

Years ago, I worked with a guy that had been in the military and once bragged about how he'd figured out how to essentially not have to do any work. I was thinking at the time "what a Douchenozzle".

[gregpark]

The real crooks are the Federal Reserve

[Tidybuoy]

Originally Posted by vash

They are hoping to buy a house. This is not possible right? The paperwork will shine a light on it?

Depends; is he planning on paying cash or getting a mortgage?

I just got a new mortgage in December, and I had to supply the bank with 2 years of tax returns. This cannot be faked because you also have to sign a form that gives the bank permission to request official copies from the IRS. I think the ban uses this to confirm you don't have any outstanding/unreported liabilities (i.e., taxes), as well as confirmation of income.

[rcooled]

Originally Posted by masraum

I do what I can to limit my liability within the rules.

[Rick Lee]

About half the country pays no federal income taxes and it's not because they refuse to file.

[Deschodt]

As far as I know if the guy gets paid abroad there are tax treaties to consider... Maybe he is already taxed abroad and it's taken at the source, and if so all he'd need is to file here while including taxation already paid and likely pay nothing, but you still have to FILE. Shoot, these days you even need to declare any and all bank accounts abroad, no matter the amount or dual citizenship or what. The IRS reach over the world banking system is unreal... Though... this may change in light of recent political events... I'm always nervous about audits (for no reason, just the pain in the butt aspect of it) I cannot imagine being able to sleep if I were that guy ;-)

[MrBonus]

The IRS is very slow to catch up with delinquent filers, especially if there are closely held businesses involved that have little third party information reported to the IRS outside of what is self-reported. The service can and will create tax returns on their behalf after a period of time with information received by third parties and simply send them to collections.

It's rare that anyone is prosecuted for this as long as they make a good faith effort to pay once they do eventually file.