7 Things The IRS Taught Me

For years I worked in a law office where our primary focus was fighting for the rights of clients against the IRS.  I formed long lasting relationships and during those years I learned many things about the IRS (and a lot about different types of people) that most people will never know. 

Obviously, I learned a lot about taxes.  I am probably one of the only people in the world who actually use to read the tax codes as enjoyment.  (I know what you are going to say - that's boring but I found it like a treasure hunt to read words that cost so much for the government to publish that so few people would ever read!)

• Never (and I mean NEVER) put yourself in a position where you are responsible for a companies payroll tax liability UNLESS you are willing to be responsible if they are not paid. Most people who work as a secretary or in payroll for companies trust that they are there to deal with the administrative part of the job and never fathom that they could be held responsible for the taxes if their bosses don't pay.                                                                                         
• Peoples lives change drastically based upon a wide varied of circumstances.  I saw people who were once owners of large successful companies fall victim to an illness and loose everything they have within a few years.   As I scoured through their financial information I was always amazed how one could go from living a life of complete financial independence to having food stamps and welfare to support them.
• Logic is NEVER the determining factor of how the IRS works with someone.  Make a paper trail because basically the black and white proof is the only thing that will reason with a computer program.
• The IRS has recruited me for jobs in the past and after seeing the misery of most of the agents I know that this is a career path that I will never pursue.
• Most people should be very afraid to do their own taxes and it is almost ridiculous to think of representing yourself in an audit.  It is not that the you can't - it is just that the emotion involved is not worth it even if you win.
• Most people who run businesses have no idea what they are doing.  If the government wants to invest in America they should require all small business owners who receive tax breaks training to learn how to meet the demands of the requirements of them as an owner.
• When the IRS gets involved adversely with someone a divorce is likely not far behind. 

The IRS is just a failed government entity.  The failure is based upon believing that Americans can bail out companies with their tax money,  forgive the leaders for borrowing money America doesn't have and then never receive the same courtesies from the powers that be when hard times hit them.