Does The Economy Really Suffer From Those Who Skip Out on Taxes?

Does The Economy Really Suffer From Those Who Skip Out on Taxes?

Does The Economy Really Suffer From Those Who Skip Out on Taxes?

Have you ever considered just skipping out on your taxes? Although a lot of people would love it if there were not taxes, the fact is, some taxes are important. The tax debate will never end, especially among politicians. There will always be some who are in favor of more taxes and others who can’t stand giving their money to the government. There are some who even go to great lengths to avoid paying their taxes. Of course, we don’t condone tax evasion, but we also work hard to make sure you legally keep every cent you’re entitled too.

Treasury and Economy

So what about those people who do skip out on their taxes? What is the true affect on everyone else when people don’t pay their fair share? Although some would argue that tax evasion hurts the economy that is actually not the case. There are two factors in play here and they are separate from one another. However, many people incorrectly tie them together. The fact is the government and their coffers are not the same as the general economy. In other words, the Treasury department and the economy are two completely different things.

Two Separate Entities

When it comes to the term “economy” that is referring to the sum of every kind of economic activity, and not just the government treasury. Therefore, any economic activity that goes on is part of the overall economy, whether it pays into the government treasury or not. So, anyone involved in any kind of economic activity is contributing to the economy, including someone who dodges his or her tax bill. It’s true that they might be hurting the government treasury by skipping out on their taxes, but they are not costing the overall economy.

Deadweight Cost

There’s another way to look at this. Anytime the government enacts a new tax that tax leads to a negative hit on economic activity on a whole. That is referred to as the “deadweight cost” of taxation. At the current tax rates in the country it’s reasonable to estimate the deadweight costs is about 30 percent or one-third. Therefore, if the treasury carefully collected the entire tax amount from the current untaxed activity then the amount of economic activity would be about a third, or 30 percent, less. Therefore, its taxes that cost the economy greater size size and not the lack of it being paid.

The Bottom Line

Again, we do not condone tax evasion. However, it’s clear that the economy and the government treasury are two separate things and just because someone decides not to pay his or her fair share that doesn’t mean the economy as whole will pay the price.

Let GROCO Help

There’s no question that some taxes are needed for the betterment of society, but how much tax is necessary will always be debated. If you need assistance with your taxes we can legally help you save as much of your hard earned money as possible. Just contact us today by clicking here.

We hope you found this article about “Does The Economy Really Suffer From Those Who Skip Out on Taxes?” helpful.  If you have questions or need expert tax or family office advice that’s refreshingly objective (we never sell investments), please contact us or visit our Family office page  or our website at www.GROCO.com.  Unfortunately, we no longer give advice to other tax professionals gratis.

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Alan Olsen, CPA

Alan Olsen, is the Host of the American Dreams Show and the Managing Partner of GROCO.com.  GROCO is a premier family office and tax advisory firm located in the San Francisco Bay area serving clients all over the world.

 

Alan L. Olsen, CPA, Wikipedia Bio

 

 

GROCO.com is a proud sponsor of The American Dreams Show.

 

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The American Dreams show was the brainchild of Alan Olsen, CPA, MBA. It was originally created to fill a specific need; often inexperienced entrepreneurs lacked basic information about raising capital and how to successfully start a business.

Alan sincerely wanted to respond to the many requests from aspiring entrepreneurs asking for the information and introductions they needed. But he had to find a way to help in which his venture capital clients and friends would not mind.

The American Dreams show became the solution, first as a radio show and now with YouTube videos as well. Always respectful of interview guest’s time, he’s able to give access to individuals information and inspiration previously inaccessible to the first-time entrepreneurs who need it most.

They can listen to venture capitalists and successful business people explain first-hand, how they got to where they are, how to start a company, how to overcome challenges, how they see the future evolving, opportunities, work-life balance and so much more..

American Dreams discusses many topics from some of the world’s most successful individuals about their secrets to life’s success. Topics from guest have included:

Creating purpose in life / Building a foundation for their life / Solving problems / Finding fulfillment through philanthropy and service / Becoming self-reliant / Enhancing effective leadership / Balancing family and work…

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MyPaths.com (Also sponsored by GROCO) provides free access to content and world-class entrepreneurs, influencers and thought leaders’ personal success stories. To help you find your path in life to true, sustainable success & happiness.  It’s mission statement:

In an increasingly complex and difficult world, we hope to help you find your personal path in life and build a strong foundation by learning how others found success and happiness. True and sustainable success and happiness are different for each one of us but possible, often despite significant challenges.

Our mission at MyPaths.com is to provide resources and firsthand accounts of how others found their paths in life, so you can do the same.

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