It’s all the damn CPA’s fault!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/02/ron-kirk-tax-problems-sur_n_171180.html
I actually like Kirk. But a cheat is a cheat. he should step down and the feds should prosecute.
So if your accountant makes an error you are a cheat? I was an accountant and never heard that one before but it certainly may be something I can use if someone decides to come after me.
I’ll also let you in on a little secret. People in high tax brackets (and/or their accountants) often “bend” rules as there is a lot of interpretation and grey areas when it comes to tax avoidance. That’s why the tax code is so complex, people bend rules and the government closes them. You call that cheating but in the real world, that is how it goes.
And something that will really hurt, not all of these people are Democrats.
I think I see Obama’s plan now - - work your way thru all the tax evaders and eventually we’ll save our budget crisis.
I’ll also let you in on a little secret. People in high tax brackets (and/or their accountants) often “bend” rules as there is a lot of interpretation and grey areas when it comes to tax avoidance. That’s why the tax code is so complex, people bend rules and the government closes them. You call that cheating but in the real world, that is how it goes.
I’ve gotta agree. Likely a very complex return with some relatively minor oversights and/or errors in reporting. Nothing (at least from this story) that I’d get too worked up over.
Geithner remains an entirely different matter.
I’m sure you are right and it was just accounting error. The most transparent administration ever would not hire anyone that is a tax cheat.
I would like to know how many members of Congress and many Americans for that matter, have made “accounting errors” on their taxes over the years.
Another question is why do you choose to excuse this kind of behavior?
I don’t excuse not paying taxes at any time for anyone. There are a lot of people who make “mistakes” on their taxes and they should be called on it.
I am more curious from a national stand point on how many people “cheat” on their taxes. We certaintly need to maximize all sources of revenue right now.
Here is a headline that is just rich:
Geithner: Obama to fight international tax dodgers   Mar 3 01:00 PM US/Eastern
By STEPHEN OHLEMACHER
Associated Press Writer Comments (10) 
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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama’s Treasury secretary says the administration will unveil a series of rules and measures in the coming months to limit the ability of international companies to avoid U.S. taxes.
Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner told the House Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday that Obama will propose legislation to limit U.S. companies’ ability to shelter foreign earnings from taxation in the U.S. He also said the administration will try to limit wealthy Americans’ ability to use tax havens to avoid taxation.
He did not immediately provide details.
I think a lot of people are seeing this from an idealogical perspective. The Democrats are all about the people who can pay should pay by implementing a progressive tax rate. Your average joe-six pack is gonna fudge all he can to reduce his tax burden. But a high level Democrat being considered for a position in government shouldn’t even be close to coming to that fudge line. If they do they are a hypocrite since they are trying to push their tax burden onto those who are less able to pay.
In a related story, I’m sure you heard about this:
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2008798615_swissbanks01.html
LONDON — The pursuit of tax cheats by U.S. and European authorities may not spell the end of legendary secret bank accounts in Switzerland, but the nation’s iconic private-banking model faces renewed threats that are casting a fresh shadow over its outsized financial sector.
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The decision last month by UBS to pay fines of $780 million — and to hand U.S. authorities account details of around 300 clients — to settle tax-fraud charges sent shock waves through the banking world. Back in Miami, the Internal Revenue Service has filed a lawsuit demanding that UBS also give up the names of 52,000 account holders as part of a probe into individual tax evasion — a call that the bank and Swiss authorities have vowed to resist.
**
I wonder who is on that list of 52,000 Swiss Bank Account holders? Hopefully, not any of our esteemed colleagues in Congress, but I’m sure there are some Wall Street guys on the list.
***We certaintly need to maximize all sources of revenue right now. ***
Perhaps we could start with the 40% or so of working Americans that pay no federal income tax whatsoever. Now there’s a concept…
Perhaps we could start with the 40% or so of working Americans that pay no federal income tax whatsoever. Now there’s a concept…
I agree. No matter how you look at it, the entire tax code needs to be changed. In the mean time, going after the cheaters is a good start.
Swiss Accounts? That is so 60’s. It’s all about the Caymens and Belieze now.
**Swiss Accounts? That is so 60’s. It’s all about the Caymens and Belieze now. **
Add Bermuda to the list.
Another question is why do you choose to excuse this kind of behavior?
An accountant and one of our resident Republican partisans both agree that this is a non-issue. But what exactly are you inferring by “excus(ing) this behavior?” I can only assume from your indignation that you find it inexcusable, if not reprehensible, to make tax errors or purposeful omissions?
Just curious - how many tax dollars do you plan on adding to your state bill for internet purchases this past year? I have to assume you’ve done the math, and are planning to submit what’s owed on every single one of your online purchases, correct? And a thorough vetting would never find a single example of you failing to pay said tax, would it?
maybe even Marc Rich! Wasn’t he one of them “Wall Street” guys?
Guess what sphere, I’m F’in outraged and it’s not a partisan thing.
I’m outraged because these fine citizen are in charge of our life, tax policy and they can’t even pay their own taxes without someone catching them.
I’m outraged because these fuktards are voting on $700 bil packages they haven’t even taken the time to read.
I’m outraged because the same brilliant thinkers that are giving credits on one side for purchases homes are taking aways deductions on the other end.
I’m outraged because they put failures like Frank, Dodd, Schumer in charge of bank recovery and they are the ones that caused the problem. I’m outraged that they don’t ask some of the best business minds in the world for help.
Other than that I’m golden.
You need to find peace in your life.