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There are some groups who oppose effectively all taxes and seek to make paying tax as hard as possible so that other people will agree with them that taxes are

There are some groups who oppose effectively all taxes and seek to make paying tax as hard as possible so that other people will agree with them that taxes are a pain. For example see Americans for Tax Reform working to torpedo California’s push to simplify state taxes a few years back. You also have corporate interests that profit from convoluted tax filing and lobby the government to keep it confusing so individuals continue to use their products.

mdb31 5y ago
OK, I understand that some/many Americans dislike paying taxes. I do not exactly like it either. But, it seem like a particular US infliction to make paying taxes as hard as possible? Plus, they sanction you in extreme ways if you don't manage to jump through all the hoops? I pay taxes in many jurisdictions. Here is my experience: Netherlands (my home country): the tax authorities send me a proposal about payable taxes. This includes income from my business, my partner's job, our common investments, and some investments/business interests that are exclusive to me. I correct whatever is required (with the deadline being April 1st), and I'll get my final settlement sometime in June/July. Germany/France: I provide the tax authorities with my Dutch tax identification number, and they confirm they're fine with that in 3-4 months time. Rwanda, Nigeria and Zimbabwe: I also provide my native tax details (sometimes using my mobile number, sometimes using my NL 'SSN'), and they're fine with that, sometimes after billing me a small percentage over some income. US: I honestly have non idea where I stand. The IRS refuses to talk to me, yet summons me to physical meetings in the past that I cannot legally attend. I have hired several attorneys, none of which seem to be able to help. I probably owe several HUNDREDS of dollars in US tax. I've not visited the US since 2004, and have not done any business there since 2002. Yet... I'm apparently a much-wanted tax fugitive in the US. Does that count on a FAANG-inbound resume?
FpUser 5y ago
Is it possible to sue for conspiring to make life purposely difficult? For example if I interfere with someone's lawful use / enjoinment of their property it is a low level criminal offence. Should not that be the same for making / conspiring the life difficult for the purpose of extorting money?

mdb31 5y ago

OK, I understand that some/many Americans dislike paying taxes. I do not exactly like it either. But, it seem like a particular US infliction to make paying taxes as hard as possible? Plus, they sanction you in extreme ways if you don't manage to jump through all the hoops? I pay taxes in many jurisdictions. Here is my experience: Netherlands (my home country): the tax authorities send me a proposal about payable taxes. This includes income from my business, my partner's job, our common investments, and some investments/business interests that are exclusive to me. I correct whatever is required (with the deadline being April 1st), and I'll get my final settlement sometime in June/July. Germany/France: I provide the tax authorities with my Dutch tax identification number, and they confirm they're fine with that in 3-4 months time. Rwanda, Nigeria and Zimbabwe: I also provide my native tax details (sometimes using my mobile number, sometimes using my NL 'SSN'), and they're fine with that, sometimes after billing me a small percentage over some income. US: I honestly have non idea where I stand. The IRS refuses to talk to me, yet summons me to physical meetings in the past that I cannot legally attend. I have hired several attorneys, none of which seem to be able to help. I probably owe several HUNDREDS of dollars in US tax. I've not visited the US since 2004, and have not done any business there since 2002. Yet... I'm apparently a much-wanted tax fugitive in the US. Does that count on a FAANG-inbound resume?

FpUser 5y ago

Is it possible to sue for conspiring to make life purposely difficult? For example if I interfere with someone's lawful use / enjoinment of their property it is a low level criminal offence. Should not that be the same for making / conspiring the life difficult for the purpose of extorting money?