IRS Gets G-20 Tool Against Tax Cheats; Guns in America
G-20 decision would give tax cheats nowhere to hide the loot
Of the decisions made by the G-20 in London last week, the most relevant to U.S. taxpayers may be a crackdown on the hiding of assets in foreign banks. It is white-collar crime with a capital C.
For far too long, the Internal Revenue Service has been deprived of taxes by calculating cheaters. Estimates have run into the tens of billions. Switzerland has always been targeted as the main haven for concealing money. Swiss banks have historically been silent partners to the scheme.
When final details are announced, it should be firm on countries, with sanctions imposed for those who don't comply.
Perhaps it was just symbolic, but a federal grand jury in Boca Raton, Fla., indicted a CPA last week for hiding assets of his clients. With the April 15 tax deadline only a week away, it could be a warning sign to any taxpayers or accountants who are planning to avoid taxes due.
Confidence in the IRS ebbs and flows over time. In the Nixon administration, enemies of the president were targeted for phony audits. It was not a proud moment for the government.
Most taxpayers have their taxes withheld by their employers. They should expect equal treatment for the wealthy taxpayers. There is some feeling that the Obama administration is trying to soak the rich and entrepreneurs who provide jobs for workers. In the nation's progressive tax system, it is only fair that the wealthy pay more.
Ultimately, the coffers of the Treasury are certain to benefit if the G-20 plan succeeds. With all of us obliged to file returns on April 15, we need assurance all are paying their share—no more, no less.
A postscript on my column last week on gun control:
A few days after the column, 13 innocents were slaughtered in Binghamton, N.Y., by a gunman at an immigration study center. A day later, three police officers in Pittsburgh were murdered while answering a call about a domestic dispute. Friends of that gunman, who had several weapons including an AK-47, said he was worried the Obama administration would seize his guns. Where did he get that idea, since the president and Congress have been silent on any measure to control guns?
For readers of the column who used only insults as a response, there is no response. For those who want a dialogue on mass murders after Columbine, Virginia Tech, and recent killings, isn't it time?
Reader Comments
The epitomy of a free society
It is easy and convenient to shine a spotlight on headline incidents to further an agenda. While the tragedies cited are indeed atrocious and indicative of out of control psychotic behaviour, to use them in calling for further infringement of constitutional rights and freedom is naive. Any aspect of society involving dangerous elements lend themselves to sporadic, undesirable consequences. The driving of vehiclas is a very dangerous proposition, yet 100s of millions of folks engage in the activity daily. The risk/reward proposition precludes not doing so in that freedom of mobility is paramount in today's society. Private ownership and use of firearms is likewise a dangerous proposition, yet 100s of millions of folk engage in that too. Many would challenge the risk/reward equation in this one though. While many espouse that only officials of power wielding governments and institutions should engage in such and activity, the absolute necessity of a check and balance for such power is imperative for the purpose of individual rights and freedoms. Regardless of voracity or concentration of such an arguement, to ignore the history of mankind inasmuch that the powers of governments and kingdoms frequently misuse their domain to place the governed under duress demand that an option of a viable counteraction be realized. The second ammendment to the constitution and more importantly the exercise of it by the citizenry is a benchmark characteristic of a free society to not be abused by a tyrannical power. Even if a person hates guns, they should own one to exercise so powerful a freedom and demonstrate its essence in the cause of free people.
Response to- Getting to the Source of the Problem
People with common sense are paying attention to what is going on in Government and believe it or not, your own neighborhood.
The Comment by ( gun control ) above is right on.
Right now our gov't is doing everything possible to take away every freedom you have under the Constitution. Obama has listed the most simple of people as extremist. WHY, so that he has a reason to put anyone and everyone that oppose's his idea's in prison.
As a gun owner, I have looked and tried to purchase ammo lately. It is near impossible.
Now, assuming that we, as american's can longer purchase ammo/gun's. The Gov't can and is already running rampant believing that they will have no opposition.
As of today, ALL of you Liberal's can laugh. But soon, you will calling your friend's COMRADE.
As a society, we are in BIG trouble, as an American, we are doomed unless we stand up and let this idiot's know that we are tired and we are NOT going to take their BS anymore.
CB
Our love of guns is driven by our love for freedom and our knowledge that americans are the biggest instigators of violence in the world. Most of the gun violence you have seen recently has been done by people who bought their own guns not people who stole them from gun owners as you said. So your social cost analogy is kind of crazy. Nobody said about protecting their house from violence. What about theives and rapists or do you not consider them criminals? Your stat is just an attempt to blur the truth. The gun manufacturers have never had to worry about keeping demand up. FYI there will always be other places to sell to regardless of America. Only one if you can aim.
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