We've all heard the stories by now of how corporations like Exxon avoid paying federal income taxes. As a matter of fact in 2009 Exxon managed to pay exactly...zero in federal tax. There doesn't seem to be much push back from the IRS. I guess when you have an army of high priced lawyers the IRS can feel a bit intimidated. But when it comes to yours truly, well that's a different story, they can get bold, and downright aggressive. More after the orange deduction......
The IRS says I owe them $12,000 in back taxes. To make a long story short, I did a number of 1099 jobs and when it came to the end of the year, I just hadn't saved enough money to pay the taxes ( I couldn't afford to). One thing led to another, add in some late fees and penalties and voila! Don't get me wrong, I am not whining, I owe the taxes, but I think it is very interesting to note the very different reaction from the IRS to me as opposed to say , Exxon. The IRS wants that $12,000 and they are bound and determined to get it. I just received a letter saying they are going to levy my social security check up to %15 so they can get their money. They are being very aggressive. Gosh, I wonder how many problems could be solved, if they took the same aggressive stance with Exxon and the myriad other corporations who are short changing the IRS ( and us) millions of dollars. Just think, we certainly wouldn't have to worry about the budget deficit, we would have no problem funding education, or providing health care.
I feel bad that some of my social security is going to pay off a $12,000 tax debt. The IRS is letting millions slip through the loopholes with barely a whimper, but they are tigers when it comes to my $12,000. I do feel bad, but I wouldn't feel half as bad if the corporations in this country faced the same aggressive IRS that I am facing.
I would probably feel that we were all in this together.....