Band Leader Herman’s Problems With the IRS

Your article regarding Herman and his unfortunate experience points up a horrendous situation that often results from failure to pay withholding taxes to the IRS.

Herman, as is the case with numerous of my firm’s clients, find themselves a responsible party and in a “never-never land” resulting from penalties and interest that accrue at a rate far greater than the ability to pay off the indebtedness.

As with all taxes, payment should be made in a timely manner; nevertheless, the system by itself very often precludes restitution by the taxpayer. The taxpayer is too often in a position whereby the punishment far exceeds the crime.

More often than not the taxpayer who has a payroll tax problem did not willfully refrain from payment to the IRS and the taxpayer then becomes a victim of the system no matter what the reason.

Whether or not the punishment or the system is constitutional is a good question, but even if it is, the system presently does not provide for a review and resolution consistent with the circumstances.

FREDERICK HAMER

Los Angeles