TAX TIP OF THE MONTH
Do We Really Have to Pay Taxes?! (Part 1)
CONTENTION: “The Filing of a Tax Return is Voluntary.” Some assert that they are not required to file federal tax returns because the filing of a tax return is voluntary; in fact, the word “voluntary” is used in the instruction book for federal tax returns.
From time to time, we hear about people who write books and appear on television claiming that filing tax returns or paying taxes are not mandatory. Here are some responses from the IRS regarding these false contentions:
THE LAW: The word “voluntary”
as used in IRS publications, refers to the system that allows taxpayers
to determine the correct amount of tax and complete the appropriate returns.
The requirement to file an income tax return in not voluntary and is clearly
set forth in Internal Revenue Code §6011(a), 6012(a) and 6072(a).
Further, the law requires any taxpayer who has received more than a specific
amount of gross income to file a tax return.
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