Don't take it personally

High profile cases of back taxes can help people feel less victimized by the tax system. As they say, misery loves company, and back tax misery is no exception.

This may make you feel better if you owe back taxes. Herewith our growing list of those who have faced back taxes (you're not alone!)

2009, Sarah Palin, State Governor of Alaska
Evidently the value of her travel and expense account is supposed to be taxed as income (the state has paid her thousands in per diem allowances). But she's not saying how much she owes in back taxes. "The amount of taxes owed is a private matter," said Palin's spokeswoman, Sharon Leighow, according to The Anchorage Daily News.

2008, Dionne Warwick, Singer
The California Franchise Tax Board believed Ms. Warwick owed over $2.5 million in state back taxes according to a 2008 article in USAToday.

1994, Catalina Vásquez Villalpando, Treasurer of the United States
Ms. Villalpando served as Treasurer of the U.S. under President George Bush. She was convicted of tax evasion while in office and served prison time. The story was that she owed $168,000 to the District of Columbia in back taxes.

If her name seems familiar, it's probably because you have seen her signature on circulating US currency bills.