In 1955, there were approximately 14 penalty provisions in the Internal Revenue Code, today there are more than ten times that number. According to the IRS, penalties exist to encourage voluntary compliance by supporting the standards of behavior expected by the Internal Revenue Code. For most taxpayers, voluntary compliance consists of preparing an accurate return, filing it timely, and paying any tax due. Efforts made to fulfill these obligations constitute compliant behavior. Most penalties apply when a taxpayer fails to meet any or all of these obligations.
