Posted on 05/30/2010 8:29:05 AM PDT by Second Amendment First
BP's request for tax records poses a problem for some residents of fishing communities in southeastern Louisiana — the nonconformists who haven't kept records or reported their cash income.
The first step for a commercial fisherman or coastal business seeking compensation for losses suffered in the oil spill seems simple enough: Submit copies of a commercial fishing license, proof of residence and tax statements.
But the request for tax records poses a serious challenge to some residents of close-knit fishing communities on the swampy edges of southeastern Louisiana, which for generations have harbored self-reliant nonconformists who don't pay much heed to everyday rules and regulations.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
They would fit in well in Washington, D.C.
So they have been cheating on their taxes all their lives and now it’s come back to bite them? Not by the government, but rather a private company? Shrewd move by BP.
Wonder how the Alaskan fisherman got compensated for Exxon Valdez?
Well, I guess the can keep up that self-reliance then.
I didn't read the full article, I will admit that, but my take is these pockets are cash only and they live off the books
I see some of the same behavior from carpenters, construction contractors, tree "Dr's" and the likes here in Western PA. One price for a bid when a check is involved, another lower price when cash is involved (working off the books paying no taxes on that income). I'm sure you know the type; wive's driving nice acura's, 2.5 soccer kids in tow while on the cell phone and starbucks in hand. Husbands driving the nice F350's, utility shells and the works. Couple plus acre's of land and nice houses. All that and worth only 60k on paper.
I don't like the tax laws anymore than the next family. But I sure as hell have no love lost for those playing games under the table while the rest of us pull their share. You play that game and get caught with your shorts down; the first place you should go crying to is a mirror.
I run a small business. I hate taxes.
I pay them, though. And I pay more than I should, in part because other people don't pay them.
I am digging deep for sympathy, and finding pocket lint.
And notice that the politicians are supporting the tax cheaters.
Now if I cheat on my taxes, I these very same politicians will howl for jail time.
BP needs to hold a strong line. No doubt these scammers and cheats are already yammering at the door.
Yep, additionally, BP should let 'em know that the 1099 they give 'em with the reimbursement will be submitted to IRS WITH all the backing records, so the IRS can compare records, if it wishes.
It’s not even funny anymore that those who scream loudest when a disaster happens are the very ones who HAVE cheated honest hard working Americans again and again. They pride themselves on cheating and taking and taking and taking and pass this on to the next generation who see them profiting from their illegal activity. Cash is king thanks to illegal activity on many levels.
I’m thinking we’re being awakened by God to evil more and more each disaster...and it’s a BIG thing that is out of control for anyone but God.
Oh, and I have been praying that BP find a way to quickly solve the blowout for the good people of the gulf states!
As long as they can document their income (with or without tax returns) they have a legal claim....of course, so will the IRS.
You are right on your contractor example.
I have a relative on the east coast like this. He would agree with 95% of what freeps espouse. But he hides a lot of taxes via his cash economy.
Drives me and the wife nuts as we pay the taxman while they buy a second home. Furnishings and food is all paid for with cash.
Greece has the same approach. Unions create a group of people who work for cash, because Union workers need more time than they can get in Union Jobs. (Higher wages drive down demand, who would have thunk it!) Since they work for cash, no taxes on either the part of the contractor or the worker.
Who benefits? The Union organizers who get paid lawyer’s rates for creating this conspiracy to avoid taxes.
Sounds like your relative has his own “Galt’s Gulch” thing going on.
You mean the tax cheats? Hey, if they're nonconformists they should have no problem not getting money from BP.
Yes, except they are dealing with Federal currency. If they were bartering services and accumulating wealth that way; I would have no issue.
That's it in a nutshell.
If BP pays legit fishermen their gross receipts according to their tax retrns, then the FISHERMEN should be able to pay ALL their subcontractors,ie; dock workers, net menders, etc. Problem solved.
i have heard of this, the business is almost entirely cash and many apparently report very low %’s of it.
“You are right on your contractor example.
I have a relative on the east coast like this. He would agree with 95% of what freeps espouse. But he hides a lot of taxes via his cash economy.
Drives me and the wife nuts as we pay the taxman while they buy a second home. Furnishings and food is all paid for with cash.”
I think the object lesson is being missed. People who actually have a viable CHOICE on paying (as you describe) are far more likely to decide to not comply 100% than those who would in very short order find themselves in very unpleasant trouble if they didn’t pay. Fear is the main reason for paying, not patriotism or other abstract moral issues/religious views.
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