Final answer:
Mitchell cannot decide to pay income taxes to a different organization if he ignores an IRS notice regarding past-due taxes; the IRS is the only valid collector for federal taxes. Withholding taxes as a form of protest is illegal and can have serious consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Mitchell fails to respond to an IRS letter stating he owes past-due taxes, one situation that may not apply is his ability to decide to pay his income taxes through a different organization. The IRS is the sole agency responsible for the collection of federal taxes, and there is no alternative legitimate organization to which taxpayers can pay their federal income tax debts. The pressure on government agencies to change their operations or improve efficiency and customer service is far less severe than the existential threats businesses face if they do not meet customer needs.
Furthermore, the idea that an individual could withhold their taxes as a form of protest, as depicted in the provided literature excerpt, is a misconception. Failing to pay taxes due to dissatisfaction with government services or protections can lead to legal penalties, including fines or imprisonment, not the dismissal of one's tax obligations.