Question about sin and the IRS/taxes

[Windfish]

…I am trying to help out my mom. She has not been to confession in years, and she has a question that I cannot answer. She is wondering if not declaring money to the IRS is a serious sin, or if it is a sin at all. Is it? Here’s an example from my life: I earn tips form weekend job at a restaurant. I have not declared them. What do you think?

 

[VonDerTann]

Usually I get paid by the word.

But tonight I will be short.

I think we have an obligation to be honest on our tax returns. Period.

 

[joanofarc2008]

Lets see there is a precept that we go to confession once a year. We do taxes once a year. Coincidence? Or is this just a special Sacrament designed for the IRS??

 

[PrayHarder]

We have an obligation to be honest about our taxes. However, there are certain thresholds that need to met before you have to declare them. Not stating income that is below those thresholds is legal and moral since all you are doing is following tax guidelines. For example, if I win $5 in the lottery, the IRS does not expect me to declare that on my taxes. You’ll have to consult a tax professional (or use good tax prep software) to determine whether your tips need to be declared as part of your income.

Practically speaking, do you really want to roll the dice and get caught in an audit? That will end up costing you much more. If you do not like what you are paying in taxes then vote for people who will do somethinga about. Regardless, you have to be honest and follow the law.

 

[kbwall]

There’s actually a passage in the Bible where Jesus’s followers ask about taxes, and he says with no ambiguity that yes, you should pay your taxes. So it would be a sin. Whether venial or mortal, I am not in a position to say.

It’s also illegal, and you can get in a lot of trouble for it.