Would the “I’m sorry I made a mistake” excuse actually work with the IRS?

I mean there seems to be a flurry of potential Obama cabinet appointees who “forgot – overlooked” etc, paying their taxes – some for years.  Including the new Treasury Secretary.

And guess what?  So far the congress has “forgiven” these people and approved their appointments.

So here’s my question?

Can you expect the same “forgiveness” from the IRS?

Probably not!  You see, if you don’t pay your taxes – regardless of the excuse – you are usually charged a fine – sometimes jail time too.

Even if it’s not your fault – like faulty software or an incompetent tax preparer.  You’ll still be liable.

So, out of fairness I propose the following:

A blanket “forgiveness” for all first time tax mistakes!

If you’re audited – and a mistake is found – you get automatic forgiveness if it’s your first time making a specific mistake.  You have to pay the taxes due – but no fine.

I mean, since the new head of the Treasury Department didn’t have his personal income tax mistakes hold up his appointment – maybe we’re looking at a new era of forgiveness being ushered in by the new administration?

Hey the banks made horrible mistakes that have collapsed the financial system – and their getting bailed out with billions.  Nobody got fired. No criminal charges have been brought against the perps.

Will that same forgiveness trickle down to you and me if we ever make a mistake on our taxes?

Dream on.

-Bob Baran