Tax protester tactic no ‘Miracle’

September 5, 2009

Who knew Jerry Koosman was a tax protester?

Koosman The former member of the Miracle Mets was sentenced last week to six months in prison for not paying his federal taxes between 2002 and 2004. That oversight cost Uncle Sam around $80,000.

When Koosman pled guilty to tax evasion in May, he said he didn't file because his research led him to conclude that only federal workers and  D.C. residents had to pay federal taxes.

That's a classic — and totally incorrect, false and unfounded — tax protester argument. The IRS continues to debunk these claims, but still the anti-tax wingnuts keep trying to use it.

What's that saying? Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

Koosman, however, disavows the tax protester tag. At his sentencing, the two-time MLB All-Star apologized, saying he was suckered by the anti-tax fringe movement.

To ensure you don't fall for the same claptrap, check out the IRS comprehensive review of frivolous tax arguments.

And remember, if you try these, you will end up owing the taxes you tried to avoid, as well as the normal penalties and interest and a potential added fine of up to $25,000.

Share:

The More Tax Posts tab at the top of this page will take you to, well, more tax posts. You also can search below for a tax topic. 

Latest Posts
6 tax moves to consider this June

June 3, 2026

Definitely take a break this June. But taxes don’t take vacations. So, you also should…

Read More
Tax Season 2026 Continues!

We made it. Tax Day 2025 is finally over. For most of us. When the filing season started on Jan. 26, millions who were expecting refunds filed immediately. Most of us got our returns to the Internal Revenue Service by April 15. But plenty of taxpayers also got extensions. They are looking at an Oct. 15 filing deadline.

Those procrastinating filers aren’t a problem. In fact, the IRS appreciates taxpayers who take time to fill out their 1040 forms correctly. It also is grateful that tax submissions are spread out a bit, especially now that the IRS is a leaner agency. Processing returns is easier when they arrive throughout the year instead of in massive bunches.

But enough about Uncle Sam’s tax collection issues. The focus now is on all y’all who filed for extensions, giving you another six months to complete your return. Since your new mid-October due date will be here before you know it, let’s get started now on meeting it.

The ol’ blog is here to help you finish up your extended Form 1040. You can start with January’s tax tips page, which has links to the rest of the year’s tips by-month collections. You also can peruse various tax categories for more tailored advice by clicking on the More Tax Posts drop-down menu at the top of this (and every) page.

And to make sure you don’t miss your new filing deadline, the count-down clock below will let you know just how much time you to file by Oct. 15. At the latest.e. (Note: I’m in the Central Time Zone, so adjust accordingly for where you live.)

Comments

Comments are closed.