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Every year, thousands of people are suckered in by the claims of ignorant or malicious people who rant and rave that taxes are voluntary, illegal, or some combination of the above. Unfortunately, if you listen to somebody who convinces you that you do not need to pay taxes, it will be you who ends up in jail, not them. It is no more "voluntary" to pay taxes than it is "voluntary" to go to jail once convicted of tax fraud.

Facts: each year well over 1000 people are referred by the IRS for prosecution for failing to pay income taxes. The vast majority (around 90%) are convicted of this crime. The average time spent in jail is 22 months. That's time in federal prison where there is no such thing as parole or early release.

Sometimes they will try to argue that the tax is unconstitutional. This argument was rejected in 1916 by the Supreme Court. People who attempt justify a failure to pay income taxes on this ground usually face extra penalties for making a frivolous claim.

Sometimes they will try to tell you that the tax is purely voluntary. This claim is rejected, repeatedly, in courts all across the country every year.

Sometimes they will tell you that you only need to pay tax on capital gains, but not on income that you personally made for your services or labor. There are dozens of people who have spent plenty of time in jail for trying to make that same claim. It is not going to win.

You might disagree with the tax system. You might be upset that you have to pay too much, or that your taxes go to support things that you don't like. But do not fall for the half-witted dreams of people who try to tell you that you need not pay your taxes. It will be you, not them, who ends up in jail or paying huge penalties for past-due amounts.

Learn more about this author, Sue A. Sponte.
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