Do I have to pay Income (Labor) tax... as an employee? Or is it volunrary?

Question

I am told there is no law which states I have to pay income tax to the state or federal government.

I also saw a documetary called: America - Freedom to Facism... which I would highly recomend.

So is this true?

Answer 1

The film you refer to is highly disinformative. But don't take my word for it. From the NY Times:

"Facts Refute Filmmaker’s Assertions on Income Tax in ‘America’"

"...examination of the assertions in Mr. Russo’s documentary.. shows... they ... collapse under the weight of fact."

"Many of the reviews in major newspapers have accepted as having some factual basis the film’s main contention, ... even though every court that has ever ruled on these issues has upheld the constitutionality of the income tax.

"... Mr. Russo says ...that the Internal Revenue Service has refused every request to show any law making Americans liable for an income tax on their wages. ... Yet among those thanked in the credits for their help in making the film is Anthony Burke, an I.R.S. spokesman. Mr. Burke said that when Mr. Russo called him asking what law required the payment of income taxes on wages, he sent Mr. Russo a link to documents, including Title 26 of the United States Code, citing the specific sections that require income taxes be paid on wages. Title 26 says on its face that it is law enacted by Congress."

"..Arguments made in court that the income tax is invalid are so baseless that Congress has authorized fines of $25,000 for anyone who makes them..."

"... Mr. Russo says in the film that the 16th Amendment was never properly ratified and thus a tax on wages is unconstitutional. This claim has been made in various forms by thousands of tax protesters since 1913, and so far their batting average with the courts is .000.
To buttress the claim that the 16th Amendment is invalid, the film displays a quotation from a federal district judge, James C. Fox. But the transcript from which the judge’s words were taken shows that while he spoke those words, they were in the context of laying out issues and that the conclusion he reached was the opposite of the words quoted."

(ref: http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/31/movies/31russ.html?ei=5088&en=05c0d0988f58fc50&ex=1311998400&partner=rssnyt&emc=rs )

For the income tax laws that was so difficult for the filmmaker to find, check out:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/index.php/Income_tax
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode26/usc_sup_01_26_10_A.html
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode26/usc_sec_26_00006012----000-.html
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode26/usc_sec_26_00000001----000-.html
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode26/usc_sec_26_00000003----000-.html
http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode26/usc_sec_26_00006651----000-.html

Feel free to protest your taxes. But don't use this film as a basis for your defense. You will lose.

Answer 2

Amendment 16 - Status of Income Tax Clarified. Ratified 2/3/1913. Note History

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several States, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

This is in the constatution of the United States of America

Answer 3

I have to add to the very good answers above. Why do I pay my taxes and not cheat?
Because no matter how corrupt and in-equal our country is, it is still one of the best in the world. I have the ability to make changes in the law (current drunk driving laws began with one woman), I choose not to.
I use the highways, the electrical grid, the police services. I know the coast guard will be there if I have an emergency at sea. I know the national guard will be there to help in a disaster.(just to name a few)
Is there tax inequality, yes.
Do I pay too much...I really don't know.
I do know the people that complain the most about how much taxes they pay are the same people that pay $5 for a cup of coffee at Starbucks, 30, 40, 50K or more for a car, and think nothing of it.
I make my own coffee at home for about 10 cents. If I buy coffee when I'm out it's for 69 cents.

Answer 4

The 16th amendment gives the government the right to collect taxes:

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

A number of people have tried to argue in court that the government isn't allowed to collect taxes. They've never won.

Answer 5

These arguments have gone on for years, and there may be some truth in it for all I know. What I do know though is that if you don't pay tax to the federal and state governments they will garnishee your wages, and can put a lien on bank accounts, take your house etc. There is no way around it, pay your tax.

Answer 6

You are the kind of guy i rether enjoyed to meet professionally to see if i could educate you a bit. Have you ever read in the paper about people who go to jail for not filing their tax returns? In fact there are numorous basis for criminal charges stemming from playing games with the IRS. If you think it is all a big joke good luck and good night. I was responsible for some people going to jail who did not file tax returns timely. You may think you are special, most of the folks at the IRS will not.

Answer 7

Not true! If you work in the US, you have to pay federal and depending in which state you live, state income taxes. Sorry!

Answer 8

Only if you want an all expense paid vacation in the Federal Prison System.

The law is Title 26 of the US Code. Google it.

That "documentary" is the looniest of the loony -- and there are some crazies out there.

Answer 9

Why ought to federal workers be any diverse from all and sundry else? all and sundry will pay taxes, which includes federal workers, military, state workers, deepest sector workers and workers who artwork for church homes and non-salary.