The IRS as Santa Claus?

Here’s hoping the IRS does not take inspiration from its Argentina counterpart (via the BBC):

For officials in Buenos Aires, it is not the season to be jolly, it is the season to pay your taxes.

Tax inspectors are being deployed in Santa Claus outfits to try to encourage reluctant taxpayers in Argentina’s capital to cough up. The Santas are stopping passers-by to tell them about special benefits if they pay up this month. It is the latest in a series of official campaigns against tax evasion in Argentina.

As part of the campaign, called "Holidays without Debt." around 100 Santas are out on the streets promoting the tax board’s special Christmas offer. If people in Buenos Aires province pay their arrears by the 20th, they could be eligible for a series of festive tax deductions. The official leading the campaign said it was a chance to start the New Year in peace, free from the fear of prosecution.

About the Author

Paul Caron

Paul Caron was named Duane and Kelly Roberts Dean of Pepperdine University School of Law on June 1, 2017. Dean Caron joined the Pepperdine faculty in 2013 after serving as the Dorothy and Leonard Straus Distinguished Visiting Professor of Law in the spring semesters of 2010 through 2013. He served as Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development at Pepperdine in 2015-2017. Before coming to Pepperdine, he was Associate Dean of Faculty and Charles Hartsock Professor of Law at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

7 responses to “The IRS as Santa Claus?”

December 17, 2005

i think it’s a great idea! years ago, i suggested putting “happy face” stickers on our RAR’s, as a PR move. sadly, my manager, having no sense of humor, declined.