IRS Observation

Despite what people (me too) think or say, there are many honest people in the world.

When I was in business my “honest” accountant did his best to find every legal deduction he could.

I had a thriving business. I paid my taxes.

I was audited once and he told me he usually spends hours auditing businesses. 

He left after about an hour.

“Mr. Markoff, you keep a good set of books.”

High praise from a government auditor.

A strange thing happened many years later when Betty and I went to the IRS office to check whether I owed more taxes.

The teller behind the counter shifted through a batch of papers and asked me to wait.

“I need to talk to my supervisor.”

I got worried.

I waited about 10 minutes wondering what was happening.

The teller came back with her supervisor.

“Mr. Markoff?” she asked.

“Yes.”

She handed me a check for $3,500.

“What’s this for?” I asked.

“For overpayment of your taxes, Mr. Markoff, we don’t hand out many of these. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

We shook hands and she left.

I looked at the check, a standard government one.

Betty was waiting for me at the entrance of the IRS building.

“Betsy doll, let’s go to dinner.”

We had a most memorable evening.

It was a day to remember.

I do.

(July 23, 2021)