Keywords
Polygamy, income tax, income tax avoidance, tax planning, welfare fraud, bigamy
Abstract
The polygamist community in southern Utah has been the subject of investigations for welfare fraud, bank fraud, bigamy and crimes against children. Yet, there have been no publicized investigations regarding income tax avoidance. A common perception in southern Utah is that polygamists do not pay federal income taxes. This perception is supported by published income tax statistics. This article explores possible reasons the polygamist community, in general, is able to avoid taxation. The results of the research indicate that polygamists who are able to avoid taxes do so as a result of aggressive tax planning as applied to their unique family structure. Additionally, these planning techniques may provide a refund where no taxes have been paid creating an additional form of welfare benefit.
Recommended Citation
Boneck, R., & Lewis, T. (2006). Polygamy: Illegal Relationship, Legal Tax Shelter. Mountain Plains Journal of Business and Technology, 7(1). Retrieved from https://openspaces.unk.edu/mpjbt/vol7/iss1/3
