- Joined
- Apr 5, 2018
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Owing money to the IRS has never been a crime. We do not have debtor's prisons in the U.S.
It is, however, a crime to evade taxation through nefarious means, ie; under reporting income, falsifying documentation, claiming fake dependents.
If you acknowledge your tax debt, even if you're not paying that debt, you cannot be imprisoned. Your wages can be garnished, bank accounts and other property can be seized, but you cannot be imprisoned unless the government can show that you deliberately lied or mislead the IRS. Owing money, even being behind in payments, is not a crime.
It is, however, a crime to evade taxation through nefarious means, ie; under reporting income, falsifying documentation, claiming fake dependents.
If you acknowledge your tax debt, even if you're not paying that debt, you cannot be imprisoned. Your wages can be garnished, bank accounts and other property can be seized, but you cannot be imprisoned unless the government can show that you deliberately lied or mislead the IRS. Owing money, even being behind in payments, is not a crime.