Truly Bizarre Taxes: The Tax on Illegal Drugs One can never underestimate the enthusiasm that politicians have for trying to hunt up tax revenues. The creativity of some politicians can lead to bizarre taxes and unfortunate results. Taxes on Illegal Drugs One argument for the legalization of various narcotics is that massive tax revenues would be created. Interestingly, a few states already are trying to collect such taxes! More than 10 states have tried to tax people that possess illegal drugs. For example, Kansas levies a drug tax on dealers as soon as they take possession of the substance. To avoid prosecution for failure to pay the drug tax, individuals possessing the drugs are supposed to purchase "drug tax stamps" and attach the stamps to the drugs in question. The stamps are valid for 3 months. In an apparent attempt to promote compliance, the Kansas Department of Revenue promises: "A dealer is not required to give his/her name or address when purchasing stamps and the Department is prohibited from sharing any information relating to the purchase of drug tax stamps with law enforcement or anyone else." The tax is levied on cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamines and other hard drugs. Interestingly, the state collected over $300,000 in such taxes by going after individuals that were charged with criminal activity. This is better known as the "Al Capone Theory", which is derived from the fact that authorities were able to put away the famous mobster on tax evasion charges. Alas, criminal prosecutors have not always welcomed the illegal drug tax. Drug Tax Foils Prosecution of Drug Dealers in Texas The 5th Amendment of the Constitution protects Americans from being punished twice for the same crime. This concept, known as "double jeopardy", caused prosecutors in 1989 to literally beg the state comptroller's office to stop accepting tax payments by drug dealers. The reason? A Texas Criminal Court of Appeal ruled that the state law assessing taxes on illegal drugs constituted a "punishment". As a result, requiring the payment of the tax constituted double jeopardy if the taxpayer had already been charged criminally. In an attempt to get their clients off on drug charges, criminal attorneys began advising them to rush to pay their drug-related taxes. The theory was that once the taxes were paid, the drug dealer could not be prosecuted because doing so would constitute a second punishment! The appellate court agreed with the theory and the state comptroller immediately stopped collecting the Texas drug tax. Richard Chapo is CEO of Business Tax Recovery - Obtaining tax refunds for small businesses by finding overlooked tax deductions and credits through a free tax return review. Tax  Net Inc, the parent company of “the Home Based Tax Preparer”, has developed a system where qualified professionals can work at home and provide better service at a lower price to the consumer. Tax Net Inc and all the divisions are proud members of the Better Business Bureau of Denver/Boulder, Colorado.    There are three divisions of the Home Based Tax Preparer. CPA Moms/Dads Tax Moms/Mr Tax Moms Next Day Tax Cash  Regulatory and Disclosure Information for the following web sites: www.cpamoms.com www.cpadads.com www.taxmoms.com www.asktaxmoms.com www.askcpamoms.com www.nextdaytaxcash.com We do not render or offer to render personalized investment advice, financial planning advice, tax planning, or tax preparation through this medium. This medium is limited to providing you with general information about services and provides a way for you to contact us. The information in this web-site is based on data gathered from what we believe are reliable sources. It is not guaranteed as to accuracy, and does not purport to be complete and is not intended as the primary basis for investment or tax decisions. It should also not be construed as advice meeting the particular investment needs of any investor.  Any tax information communicated, shared, faxed or emailed to Tax Net Inc or any of their divisions is held in strict confidentiality.   This information is not used, sold or shared with any other business entity or individuals.