Restoring fairness by closing the “tax gap”
The gap between the amount of taxes that are legally owed and what is voluntarily paid is known as the “tax gap”. The Franchise Tax Board estimates that the tax gap in California is approximately $6.5 billion every year. Honest taxpayers end up paying 20 percent more in taxes as a result of the tax gap. Businesses that pay their fair share in taxes are put at a competitive disadvantage by businesses that do not. When we fail to collect legally owed tax revenue, it ends up costing the State in terms of underfunded educational programs, out-of-date infrastructure, and less money for health and public safety.
Chris Parker believes we must restore fairness by vigorously pursuing tax cheats and bringing them to justice. We can accomplish this by cracking down on illegal tax shelters and fraudulent schemes set up by corporations and individuals who are looking for ways to evade paying their taxes. These bad actors sometimes get away with minimal penalties because they hire high-priced attorneys and lobbyists who are in the business of giving them special access to decision-makers and enforcement bodies.
As a member of the Board of Equalization, Chris Parker will work to:- Expose corporations, individuals, lobbyists and attorneys who are cheating the system or are helping bad actors to cheat the system
- Make sure tax cheats are brought to justice and penalized to the maximum extent of the law
- Expand programs that reduce tax evasion and make sure the privacy and security of those who report tax cheats is protected
- Root out those doing business illegally in California’s “underground economy”
Helping small businesses
Even though it is estimated that seven out of ten new jobs in our country are created by small businesses and small businesses play a big role in our economy, many of them struggle when it comes to navigating our complex tax system. Learning how to comply with state tax laws while being audited by as many as three different state agencies at one time are among the many challenges that small business owners face in California. Unfortunately, there are not many resources available to help small business owners.
Chris Parker grew up around small business and understands the important role they play in our economy. He knows firsthand the many challenges small business owner’s face. That is why Chris Parker will work hard to develop ways for small businesses to more easily navigate our complex tax system.
As a member of the Board of Equalization, Chris Parker will:- Connect small businesses to resources that will help them learn about, and be in compliance with state tax laws
- Utilize the latest technology (i.e. internet, video, conference calls, etc.) to develop interactive educational materials for small business owners and startup companies
- Make sure the educational materials and information available to business owners is user-friendly, makes sense and is conveniently accessible
- Develop a more efficient audit process that will save the state money and save the business owner time
Advocating for taxpayers and small businesses
California’s tax laws are outdated. Most of them were written in the 1930’s – long before the emergence of new technologies like the internet. However, we continue to administer taxes under an old system that does not reflect the realities we face in a 21st century economy. When our tax code fails to keep up with the times, it can result in our State missing opportunities to recover legally owed revenue. It also means that individuals and businesses that are not equipped to keep up with modern technology can sometimes be placed at a disadvantage.
As an experienced tax attorney, Chris Parker knows what is needed to modernize our tax laws and make them fair. Chris believes that as we modernize our tax code we must pay special attention to addressing the needs of working families and small businesses. Our new taxation system must reward Californians who work hard to move our economy forward.
As a member of the Board of Equalization, Chris Parker will serve as the “people’s lobbyist” to advocate for tax reforms in the state legislature that will:- Respect the needs of working people and small business owners
- Not put California businesses at a disadvantage by out-of-state companies that do not have a physical presence here and do not pay taxes to our state
- Ensure economically disadvantaged communities receive their fair share of tax revenue.
