While you'd likely be hard-pressed to find a U.S. taxpayer who enjoys dolling out hundreds or thousands of dollars of their hard-earned income to Uncle Sam, the vast majority of U.S. citizens tacitly comply with imposed tax deadlines and regulations. There are, however, those U.S. citizens who, for various reasons, openly disagree with U.S. tax laws.
Throughout the world, the rights of U.S. citizens to freely protest the actions of governmental agencies and actions are envied. The First Amendment in the U.S. Constitution provides for the freedom of speech and the people's right to "peaceably assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
However, when it comes to taxes and First Amendment rights, some contend the IRS' general attitude towards and handling of U.S. citizens who protest its authority is border-line unconstitutional.
It's no secret that the IRS and members of its staff don't look kindly upon U.S. citizens who protest paying taxes. Prior to 1998, the agency widely and openly referred to these individuals as "tax protesters," a discriminatory term that, despite a Congressional order to cease using, is still readily used by the agency to label noncompliant taxpayers.
In addition to suffering possible repercussions including increased scrutiny for being labeled a tax protestor, individuals who the IRS deems to make "frivolous" claims or actions related to filing or paying taxes are subject to fines and penalties totaling of up to 75 percent.
If you have questions about or plan to take issue with IRS tax regulations and codes , you would be wise to consult with a tax attorney. Additionally, individuals who learn they are subject to overly-punitive tax-related frivolous fines and penalties can benefit from the advice and assistance of a criminal defense tax attorney.
Source: Forbes, "Free Speech Is Fundamental, Yet Tax Protesters Get Penalties Or Jail," Robert W. Wood, Oct. 22, 2014