Google

IRS Reports Tax Gap of $300 Billion


The Internal Revenue Service is reporting that the difference between what U.S. taxpayers owe and actually pay on time totals more than $300 billion a year. Studying over 46,000 tax returns for individuals revealed the tax gap. These results indicate a failure of 15 to 16 percent of individual tax payers to fully pay their taxes. IRS enforcement activities recovered roughly $55 billion of that total gap, leaving a net tax gap of $257 billion to $298 billion.

The tax gap is comprised of three components -- underreported income, underpayment of taxes and failure to file tax returns at all. 80 percent of gap was due to individuals underreporting their income, while non-filing and underpayment accounted equally for the remaining 20 percent.

The IRS reported that underreporting was mostly linked to understated income, not overstated deductions. The agency also determined that most of the understated income was related to business activities, not wages or investment income.

While these figures may appear shocking, they more or less match the results found in a 1988 study. The numbers are also artificially inflated by individuals that fail to file returns and pay taxes. The IRS is not expected to take any new course of action based on these results.

Richard Chapo is CEO of http://www.businesstaxrecovery.com - Obtaining tax refunds for small businesses by finding overlooked tax deductions and credits through a free tax return review.

MORE RESOURCES:

RELATED ARTICLES

IRS Reports Tax Gap of $300 Billion
The Internal Revenue Service is reporting that the difference between what U.S.
How To Get An Instant Pay Raise
As a gentleman was leaving my class recently, he wanted me to clarify something I had said. He was making sure that he should take his four or five thousand dollar tax refund and pay off debt.
Furnishing Evidence in E-Tax Compliance
Self-assessment relies on taxpayers voluntarily meeting their tax obligations. This concept is recognised in all tax statutes, which sets out taxpayers' primary obligations, and clearly spells out that taxpayers are required to determine the amount of tax payable correctly and to pay it on time.
Early Distributions From Retirement Plans
An early distribution from an Individual Retirement Arrangement (IRA) or a qualified retirement plan need not be a "taxing" experience. Fortunately, there are exceptions to early distributions.
Tax Trap #2 -- Double Taxation: Isnt Once Enough?
Have you been thinking about incorporating your small business or self-employment activity? The advantages are many!For starters, you'll be protecting yourself and your family from the possible of a business ending lawsuit. Forming a corporation is Step One on the path known as "Asset Protection" -- you are moving from the world of unlimited liability to the world of limited liability.
Save Money on Taxes - Double Your Income Now With Tax Saving Tips on Deductions
Adding Your First Additional Stream of IncomeMost new wealth builders currently have a full-time job. After realizing that means "Just ----Over Broke" they commit to quitting their job and starting their own business.
Rearrange Your Affairs For Maximum Tax Savings
One way to maximize your business profits is by reducing your taxes. Frequently, income and other taxes could be lowered significantly if only the taxpayer were willing to plan ahead.
Small Business Tax Credit - Americans with Disabilities Act
Many small businesses complain when confronted with the expense of complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Most do not realize that there are a number of tax incentives available to offset the costs.
The Annual Gift Tax Exclusion: Getting The Edge
Whether helping the kids with a down payment on their first home, paying the premiums on a life insurance policy in an irrevocable trust, or moving appreciated assets to a younger generation, annual gifting will touch the lives of millions of Americans. But before the transfer is made, an investor should spend some time looking at the investment and the tax ramifications of the property to be passed.
Tax Tips to Save Money on Taxes - Get the Corporate Kick and Save Loads of Money
Why a Corporation Helps Save You TaxesThe Tax Rates (Notice anything unusual?):The following tables provide a list of the tax rates for individuals and corporations:Personal: $0-$24,650 15% $24,651-$59,750 28% $59, 750-$124,650 31% $124,651-$271,050 36% $271,050+ 39.6%Tax SecretsCorporate: 0-$50,000 15% $50,001-$75,000 25% $75,001-100,000 34% $100,001-$335,000 39% $335-000-$10M 34%If you examine them closely, you will see at least one glaring contrast.
Tax Trap #4 -- The Quagmire of Depreciation
If you are a Small Business Owner or Self-Employed Person, there's one especially lucrative tax break that not only puts money in your pocket, it also makes the filing of your business tax return much simpler.What am I talking about? It's called the Section 179 deduction, and if there's one tax break you need to understand, this is it.
Electronic Commerce Taxation and Pakistan
Assume a buyer in Pakistan downloads software from the Internet for a 30-day trial. If he likes the software, he submits his credit card information and receives an authorization code that allows him unrestricted use of the software.
Small Businesses Filing Amended Federal Tax Returns to Recover Money
Small Businesses Filing Amended Federal Tax Returns to Recover Money By Darren Oliver April 15th may be gone but, but certainly not forgotten - especially if you, like millions of small businesses, unknowingly overpaid your federal taxes and can recover money by filing an amended return. According to the IRS tax code, you have three years from the filing date for the tax year in question to file an amended return.
What You Need To Know About Taxes If You're Getting Married
It may not be high on the list of wedding planning activities, but there are a few simple steps that can help keep tax issues from interrupting your newly wedded bliss. If you recently married, check out your new tax situation.
How To Get An Extension To File Your Business Tax Returns
Yes, the tax season is upon with the first filing date for some businesses being March 15, 2005. If you can't imagine getting your tax returns together by that date, you need not worry.
Complaince of Tax Return in Electronic Commerce Taxation
Emerging Legal issues of Tax compliance of e-business Self-assessment system relies on taxpayers voluntarily meeting their tax obligations by tax payee. This concept is recognised in all tax statutes, which sets out taxpayers' primary obligations to fill tax return on self-assessment, and clearly spells out that taxpayers are required to determine the amount of tax payable correctly and to pay it on time.
Anticipating Your IRS Refund Can Cost You Plenty
While accountants are reaching for aspirin, millions of Americans are reaching for some fast cash this tax season. Unfortunately, those who reach for fast cash in the form of a "refund anticipation loan" are getting hit with interest rates and fees that are out of this world.
Tax Jokes and Quotes
Do you realize that some tax forms ask you to check a box if you are BLIND?Quote: "Two years ago it was impossible to get through on the phone to the IRS. Now it's just hard to get through.
How To Claim CHILD TAX CREDIT The Right Way And Add An Extra $2,000 To Your Refund
The U.S.
Your IRS Tax Appeal Rights
Are you in the middle of a disagreement with the IRS? One of the guaranteed rights for all taxpayers is the right to appeal. If you disagree with the IRS about the amount of your tax liability or about proposed collection actions, you have the right to ask the IRS Appeals Office to review your case.