The Geithner Effect on Taxpayer Attitudes

I'm not sure that common occurrence equals causaction - I think most people would be hard-pressed to know who Tim Geithner is and why his fumbling of his own personal taxes is such a big deal - but it could be the reason behind the results of the IRS Oversight Board's 2009 Taxpayer Attitude Survey:

* How much, if any, do you think is an acceptable amount to cheat on your income taxes? A little here and there, 9% (highest in 6 years)

* How important is it to you, as a taxpayer, that the IRS does each of the following to ensure that all taxpayers honestly pay what they owe -- Ensures high-income taxpayers are reporting and paying their taxes honestly? Very important, 83% (all-time high)

* How important is it to you, as a taxpayer, that the IRS does each of the following to ensure that all taxpayers honestly pay what they owe -- Ensures small businesses are reporting and paying their taxes honestly? Very important, 76% (all-time high)

* How much influence does each of the following factors have on whether you report and pay your taxes honestly -- Fear of an audit? Great deal of influence, 39% (all-time high)

* How much influence does each of the following factors have on whether you report and pay your taxes honestly -- Belief that your neighbors are reporting and paying honestly? Great deal of influence, 17% (all-time low)

Count on the IRS to forget about how the behavior of their leadership shapes the public's attitude and focus on how the fear of an audit does.

One thing the Taxpayer Attitude Survey tells us: taxpayer's attitudes need adjusting. So adjust your attitude before the IRS does it for you, misters and missies. And wipe that smirk off your faces. And go clean your rooms, too.