New Hampshire Tax Standoff

[Clodfobble]

I think it's maybe the difference between inability to pay a debt and refusal to pay.

[Sundae]

Originally Posted by Beestie

Since freakin' when is it ok to throw someone in jail for failure to pay a debt. If the Brown's have liquid assets then seize them to pay the debt. If they have real estate then slap a lien on it. If they have a car then repo it.

Failing to pay taxes should NEVER result in incarceration. Mr. Brown should be allowed to live his life in peace and deal with the consequences of whatever financial penalties are assessed and enforced against him.

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

I think it's maybe the difference between inability to pay a debt and refusal to pay.

I know it's not a good example (being considered a fascist state) but refusal to pay tax certainly get a spell in the gaol over here. Occasionally pensioners will baulk at paying their council tax (payment for local services) for various reasons. They do it as a protest, knowing their court appearances will spark media interest at the idea of retired, otherwise law abiding people getting imprisoned.

In the past anonymous donors who agree with their cause have come forward and paid the tax on their behalf. Which makes me think it's a crafty plan, the silver old foxes.

[xoxoxoBruce]

I don't think it's the refusal to pay, but the active tax evasion... I mean they really worked at hiding it until the feds caught on. Only then, after they had avoided tax on a couple million bucks and got caught, did they make the stand that it was illegal and shit.

Fraud, tax evasion, oh yes, jail time for sure.


Beestie, the biggie is the gasoline tax the states are required to collect and give the feds. This is the one they always threaten the states with, if they balk a some unfunded mandate. Behave or you don't get your federal highway money.