Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1917-06-06
UNCLE SAM after
FARMERS OF iowa
Revenue Collectors Investigate Pay
ment Of Income Tax.
SUMMONED TO CONFER
WITH THE COLLECTOR
Tax for Four Years Under Inquiry
May Raise $3.50, 900 Extra
Revenue.

A state wide campaign for the col
lection of income taxes from Iowa
farmers has been organized by Rev.
enue Collector Murphy.
1t is assumed that the law nas
not been understood by all farmers-
many in cities also do not under
stand it-and have been 1eglecting
to make returns.
A special blank has been prepar-
ed and is being sent to all farmers
who own 240 acres or more calling
for detailed information. When the
report is made the farmer will be
personally interviewed by deputy
collector to clear up any misunder-
stood points. For instance, living
expenses cannot be taken out of in
come.
Preliminary organization has
been perfected by Collector Murphy
In about half the counties. 1t Is said
that facts developed indicate that
there may be about 10000 delin-
Quent income taxpayers among the
farmers. That may enrich the Golfers
Of Uncle Sam anywhere from $780,
900 to 100000, it is estimated.
The investigation now being con-
Quoted will cover the years 1913,
1914, 1915 and 1916. In inviting
the farmers to a conference on the
subject of their incomes for the four
years named, the revenue collector
says, after fixing a date aid hour at
which he asks the farmers to meet
him:
Under Penalty.
ITO save delay, you are requested
to fill out complete the information
called for on the accompanying
sheets. using a separate sheet for
each year. Secure all the information
called for before coming in, and be
prepared to swear to it, 1t is our
experience that many farmers do not
keep books. Nevertheless, it is pos
sible for them to determine, by in
iquiry at places where they have made
sales, at the creamery. at the eleva-
tors, stock yards, etc., and by refer
ence to their bank deposits, how
much they have sold and what their
income was each year. 1t is neces-
Isary that you begin at once to get
this information so that you will
have all of it when you come in"
After quoting the law, relative to
penalties, the collector adds: "You
will appreciate from the foregoing
the necessity of obedience to this
summons and the importance CT full
and complete report as nearly as you
are able to arrive at it."
The section Of the income tax law.
quoted. by the collector. follows:
That if any individual liable to
make the return or pay the tax shall
refuse or neglect to make such re-
turn at the times specified
he shall be liable to PEN
atty of not less than $40, nor more
than $1,000. Any individual
who makes any false or fraudu-
lent return or statement with intent
TO defeat or evade the assessment
required by his title to be made
shall be fined not to exceed $4,000
or be imprisoned not exceeding one
year or both, in the discretion Of the
court :"
Down to Bed Rock.
The blank for each year which
the farmer must fill out and then
stand examination on, follows:
No. acres owned ..............
Owned by wife
Acres sold 10. -. (if any .....
Price. 5. ......
Price s.. ..........
heceived for road work, jury or
county township work 5. .....