When we owed a chunk of change to the IRS years ago, they charged us interest and penalties. When Timothy Geithner owed back taxes in 2008 they said it was “an honest mistake,” and removed the interest and penalties. Special rules for special folks.
As self-employed, I make quarterly tax deposits with IRS and generally overpay what I owe. Made no difference when I missed a quarterly - got hit with interest and penalties. But then again, I’m not from a family of crooks.
I just finished a long audit process. I paid the taxes and interest ( compounded daily). But they agreed it was an error in good faith…so no fines. And…I am not special to anyone except my wife and kids.