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Lorin A. Lee vs. the IRS

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This book captures both sides of "The IRS experience," with clever and humorous cartoons. Some of the cartoons show examples of the absurd tax dodges people try to get by with. Most of the cartoons portray the mean-spirited, soulless way the IRS tortures, terrorizes, and tramples American citizens. And it makes you laugh in the process!

The book is funny because its portrayals of the absurd are so accurate. As voters, we actually put up with this abuse, instead of demanding that Congress do the job they were elected to do. If you're not going to demand that Congress fix the problem, then buy this book and at least have a good laugh about it.

One method Lee uses quite humorously is he starts with an actual situation and simply expands it to its logical conclusion. For example, we all know how a very small tax debt can grow monumentously in just a few years. The IRS routinely violates the Statute of Limitations and gets by with it. So, an overlooked $50 tax debt incurred when you're 18 can come back to haunt you just before retirement and cost you everything you have. Lee illustrates this by showing a homeless man in tattered clothing being told by an auditor, "With interest, penalties, and fines, your tax bill comes to $250,000. Will that be cash or check?"

Do you remember the 1984 IRS kidnapping, at gunpoint, of toddlers at a Michigan day care center? That came to mind with one cartoon that showed an IRS agent in a daycare center. In this cartoon, he's holding up three pieces of candy, while a baby cries in the background (taking candy from a baby). He's wearing a button that says, "IRS trainee." His trainer is saying, "Congratulations. You have passed the first part of your agent application exam."

There's a New IRS and Old IRS cartoon that hits dead center. And you'll snicker when you see Santa's audit. Lee explores the tax plight of military people, too--they serve their country, then get "served" by the IRS. Some thanks!

If you have enjoyed Doonesbury or Dilbert because they hit the bulls eye, you will enjoy Lorin A. Lee vs. the IRS for the same reason. Whether you hate the Infernal Revenue Service or the Eternal Revenue Service, you will love the jabs taken at this useless and ridiculous organization.