Answer: The three ways to respond to taxation are as follows:
Compliance: This involves willingly and fully adhering to the tax laws and regulations set forth by the governing authorities. Taxpayers who choose compliance fulfill their tax obligations by accurately reporting their income, claiming eligible deductions and credits, and paying the required amount of taxes on time.
Minimization: Tax minimization involves employing legal strategies and techniques to reduce the amount of taxes owed. This can be done by taking advantage of deductions, credits, exemptions, and other tax incentives provided by the tax code. Taxpayers who choose this approach aim to legally lower their tax liability within the boundaries of the law.
Evasion: Tax evasion involves intentionally and unlawfully evading or avoiding the payment of taxes by deliberately underreporting income, inflating deductions, or engaging in other fraudulent activities. Tax evasion is illegal and can result in severe penalties and consequences, including fines, interest, criminal charges, and imprisonment.
Summary: It is important to note that compliance with tax laws is the lawful and expected approach, while tax planning focuses on legitimate strategies to minimize tax liability. Tax evasion, however, is illegal and strongly discouraged as it undermines the integrity of the tax system and negatively impacts public services and infrastructure that rely on tax revenues.