Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 304, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 December 1920 — SEE RELIEF FOR TAX DELINQUENTS [ARTICLE]

SEE RELIEF FOR TAX DELINQUENTS

—♦ House Expected to Eliminate ln- . come Penalties Up to March 15. EFFORT TO AVERT DISASTER Feared Many Big Business Concerns Will Be Forced to the Wall Unleee , Congress Comes to Their Rescue at Once. Washington, Dec. 20. —Belief for the many large business concerns which were unable to pay their December installment of the income tax seems to be in sight. The house ways and means committee practically has agreed to report favorably a bill introduced by Representative Edmonds of ‘Pennsylvania whereby the penalty of 5 per cent for failure to pay the December installment shall be eliminated and shall not be made to apply unless the amount is still unpaid by March 15. Secretary Houston vigorously opposed any extension of time to taxpayers when the matter was first proposed simply because it was feared, that no discrimination could be made between those who were really unable to pay and those who naturally wanted to use the money for other purposes; But with December 15 now past and the collectors of internal revenue from all parts of the country reporting large sums unpaid the seriousness of the situation is fully realized here.

U. 8. Now Without Discretion. Indeed, unless the government takes action as provided in the Edmonds resolution some big concerns will be forced to the wall. The Treasury department has at present no discretion whatsoever and the 5 per cent penalty is already in effect. The law is mandatory. It provides that ten days after the income tax shall have been due and been unpaid the collector of internal revenue shall send out a warrant of distraint Within thirty days thereafter collectors shall be compelled under the law to force the sale of all the assets of a concern in order to get the Income taxes due the government. It is one of the most drastic laws on the statute books. Congress has the responsibility for the momefit of helping the business men over a tight place. The Republicans in the house have sounded their colleagues in the senate and the impression is general that both houses will pass the Edmonds measure. Might “Invade” Big Houses. It will be recalled that Senator Smoot and others issued a warning to taxpayers that no resolution of relief could be promised, but that was before December 15, when it was to the Interest of the Treasury department to urge the payment of every cent that actually could be raised. At present the question is whether the government win actually invade the properties of big business houses to collect taxes or whether It will extend the period of payment until March 15 and charge Interest for the time extended. AU signs point to the passage of the measure, and though Secretary Houston has given no intimation of his attitude, it is not believed that be will oppose it. For the alternative Is eithes making the government stand the less temporarily or forcing receiverships In many important business houses. There is no promise, however, that any extension will be granted after March 15 nor can the action of congress be regarded as a precedent for the future.