Merck’s tax settlement a reward for violating law

Regarding “Merck to pay $2.3 billion in tax fight” (Feb. 15):

You report that the Internal Revenue Service, incredibly, is allowing Merck & Co. to forgo paying $1.5 billion of the $3.8 billion in taxes the agency claimed was due. I cannot find the words to express my rage.

The article ends with a quote from a Beverly Hills tax attorney: “Yes, the IRS gave up something to settle this without going to the mat. But I see both sides as winners on something like this.”

Can any rational person believe Merck would pay $2.3 billion to the IRS if it believed its behavior was legal?

I’m a tax preparer -- may I also have a 39% discount on my tax bill? Or do I get the discount only if I’m caught violating the law?

Marvin Klotz

Venice