Can the U.S. collect taxes from people unwilling to pay?

Question:

I recently received an email message stating that wage earners don't have to pay income tax. The message said the IRS had brainwashed and scared people into paying. It also stated that 85 million wage earners in the U.S. have stopped paying income taxes and are getting away with it. Is this correct?

Answer:

It's a lovely sounding myth, but a myth indeed. And those who believe in it can often be found in the insides of our jails, looking out.

It may be true that the IRS has bullied many folks, but the agency is especially good at hunting down scofflaws and holding on tenaciously. If you choose not to pay taxes, you risk getting caught and suffering the consequences. The consequences are not pretty.