The DU Lounge

My opinions:

There is too much personal risk involved where we could reach a point where millions of people would stop filing their tax returns.

But if it somehow did happen, I can pretty much guarantee that the IRS will eventually get their due. It might take them awhile, but they'll get their money, plus interest and penalties. They will absolutely ruin your life. They'll strip your bank accounts, take your home...whatever they need to do.

Additionally, there would be consequences if everyone stopped paying their taxes, or otherwise tried to use this as a form of protest. Nothing would get funded, and this country would essentially cease to function.

The IRS gets money from payroll withholdings, etc, but they also get money when you file your tax return, if it turns out you owe over what they have already received from you. Not everyone gets a refund at tax time, and sometimes, the IRS is owed substantial money when taxes are filed.

Good question though.