Can the IRS Really Get You?

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Well, if you think law enforcement and the FBI have a long gun, consider the IRS; the tax officials have spread their nets across the country. It would be difficult for a squirrel to store nuts without the IRS knowing about it in America and since you are definitely bigger than a squirrel and have a lot more to store, there’s a good chance the IRS already knows everything they need. to know about your finances. Then again, there are always people who deny it and think they can get away with trying to embezzle the IRS, they can’t! While the IRS has undeniable powers, there are laws that bind tax officials from doing anything to collect from you. As a taxpayer, it is not only in your best interest but also your right to know the laws that are meant to protect you. So let’s take a look at the jurisdictions of the Internal Revenue Service and what they can and cannot do.

The IRS has jurisdiction over all taxpayers in the country, meaning they have the power to impose penalties on people who fail to pay their tax dues. If you haven’t fulfilled the agreement and made your tax payments, you can expect trouble from the IRS. You must understand that the IRS is different from your other debtors; they can not only confiscate your assets but also they can prosecute you for a criminal offense and send you to jail.

If you live in the United States and make a living here, or are an American citizen living in a foreign country or a citizen making money in a foreign country, it is your responsibility to file tax returns in the United States. The IRS has jurisdiction over all persons who fall into the above categories. You are expected to pay income taxes on salaries, property, capital gains, gains made through equity investments, etc. The IRS has no jurisdiction over non-taxpayers and the IRS does not try in any way to void their rights.

To find out if you qualify as a non-taxpayer and avoid problems with the IRS, simply visit the IRS or state taxation websites. Taxpayers often cite the 16th amendment which gives congress the power to levy taxes on income and property. Taxpayers often talk about how the amendment was not properly ratified to discredit the IRS authority, however, the 16th amendment was ratified by a majority vote.

People also argue that the IRS does not have the power to compel people to fulfill their tax obligations, the Secretary of the Treasury retains administrative and enforcement powers over internal income and because the IRS reports to the Secretary of the Treasury they do have the authority to collect taxes and enforce their payments. If you live in the United States or are an American citizen, you have to pay your taxes and this argument is a surefire way to invite IRS trouble.

People who do not file their tax returns and those who fail to meet their tax obligations can be penalized, also the IRS will levy interest on taxes owed. If you still refuse payment, they will prosecute you under a tax evasion crime.

However, if you are simply finding it difficult to pay your taxes due to financial concerns, there are several ways available to you. You can ask for an installment plan or a compromise offer. There are also solutions for people who can’t pay for anything. If you find yourself in the IRS legal tangle, it would be wise to consult with a Dallas tax attorney. Tax attorneys are better equipped to handle any issue the IRS may raise. From your side, you should be prepared with evidence of why you failed to pay your income tax.

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