Can the IRS really catch you?
Well, if you thought law enforcement and the FBI had long guns, consider the IRS; tax collectors have spread their mesh across the country. It would be hard for a chipmunk to store a nut without the IRS finding out about it in America and since you’re certainly bigger than a chipmunk and have a lot more to store, there’s a good chance the IRS already knows all that needs to. to find out about your finances. On the other hand, there are always people who deny it and think they can get away with trying to embezzle the IRS, they can’t! Even though the IRS has irrefutable powers, there are laws that require the tax collector to do nothing to collect from you. As a taxpayer, it’s 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 jurisdiction of the Internal Revenue Service and what they can and cannot do.
The IRS has jurisdiction over every taxpayer in the country, which means they have the authority to impose penalties on people who don’t pay their taxes due. If you haven’t kept your end of the bargain and haven’t made your tax payments, you can expect trouble from the IRS. You must understand that the IRS is different from your other debtors; not only can they confiscate your assets, but they can also try you for a crime and send you to jail.
If you reside in the United States and earn your living here, or are a US citizen residing in a foreign country or a citizen earning money in a foreign country, you will be responsible for filing your 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 your salary, property, capital gains, gains made through capital investments, etc. The IRS does not have jurisdiction over non-taxpayers and the IRS does not intend in any way to override their rights.
To find out if you qualify as a non-taxpayer and avoid problems with the IRS, simply visit the IRS or state tax website. Taxpayers often cite the 16th Amendment which gives Congress the authority to collect income and property taxes. Taxpayers often talk about how the amendment was not ratified correctly to discredit the authority of the IRS, yet the 16th Amendment was ratified with a majority vote.
People also argue that the IRS has no authority to force people to comply with their tax obligations, the Secretary of the Treasury retains administrative and enforcement power over internal revenue, and since the IRS reports to the Secretary of the Treasury, in fact they have authority to collect taxes and enforce their payment. If you reside in the United States or are a US citizen, you must pay your taxes and these arguments are a definite way to get in trouble with the IRS.
People who do not file their tax returns and those who do not comply with the taxes owed can be penalized, in addition, the IRS will charge interest on the taxes owed. If you still resist payment, you will be tried for the crime of tax evasion.
However, if you are simply finding it difficult to pay your taxes due to financial concerns, there are several resources available to you. You can request an installment plan or an offer in compromise. There are also solutions for people who cannot afford anything. If you find yourself in an IRS legal entanglement, it would be wise to consult a Dallas tax attorney. A tax attorney is better equipped to handle any issues the IRS may raise. For your part, you’ll need to be ready with proof of why you didn’t pay your income tax.