Topic: Tax Penalties

The IRS has issued proposed regulations for the "Shared Responsibility Payment" under the Affordable Care Act, which penalizes individuals who do not maintain minimum essential health coverage. By 2016, a family of five could face an annual tax penalty of up to $20,000 for remaining uninsured. The document outlines exemptions for certain religious beliefs and financial hardships.

Gary Johnson's comments on MSNBC regarding Newt Gingrich's 1997 proposal for the death penalty for marijuana possession are discussed. The hosts also mock Rick Santorum for his inconsistent statements regarding his tax returns, noting his claim that he couldn't access them while simultaneously mentioning the "unhappy check" he had already written to the IRS.

Tom Daschle's confirmation process revealed approximately $150,000 in unpaid income taxes, which he settled shortly before hearings. The discussion questions the perceived leniency of the $15,000 in penalties applied to Daschle compared to the aggressive enforcement actions experienced by average citizens. Personal anecdotes regarding IRS interactions and lawyer solicitations following tax disputes are shared.