I thought the sentencing for Wesley Snipes was harsh. I realize the federal prosecutors need to make an example out of tax offenders, but 3 years for failing to file is extreme.

I agree that imposing stiff penalties on public figures is a great way to encouraging tax complaince, but 3 years is too much. If Wesley Snipes in is prison, how much wil he be contributing to the general federal fund? Nothing.

I think its better to make tax offenders pay their taxes and keep them working, generating incomes and spending that income than to lock them up and that all that money out of the economy.

The maximum sentence was imposed on Wesley Snipes for willfully failing to file his tax return. However, Snipes tried to dodge about $15 million in income tax through the use of offshore accounts, false (amended) tax returns, and twisted legal positions.

I agree with you that the punishment of prison hurts our overall economy when the crime is non-violent tax evasion. But, the laws apply equally to those of high net income and those without.

But isn't it interesting how the bigger the name, the bigger the hard-on the feds seem to have for them?

The IRS knows that sentencing a big name high profile person to jail will deter thousands of people. The US giv did the same thing to Martha Stewart!