IRS should try finding evaders

Published 12:01 am Thursday, June 2, 2011

The other day I was talking with an old college buddy who is a tax accountant. What a story he told me.

He said, “Each week at least one person comes into my office that hasn’t filed tax returns for two to 10 years. And, they owe money too — sometimes a lot of money.

“How do I get the income information to file the returns? First, I have them give me a power of attorney that allows me to contact the IRS. Next, I call the IRS and they fax the income data to me.

“Yes, that is right. The IRS has the data and they don’t do a thing with it. The IRS could file a ‘substitute return’ with the income information that they have and start a collection process against the non-filers. Instead, they choose to do nothing.

“All they would have to do to locate these non-filers is push a button on their computer.

“All of us who are filing returns and paying taxes are paying for all of those who don’t file and don’t pay.”

I was very surprised and upset when I heard his story. I’ll bet that you are too.

When it comes to taxes, crime doesn’t pay — those that file tax returns do.

I wonder how much smaller the deficit would be if these taxes were collected.

Well, I guess it is easier to print more money than it is to collect the taxes.

Hans Kasper
Bothell