IMHO it doesn't make it a less of a crime if it happened 10+ years ago.

Tax fraud is robbing society, and no matter who they are, everyone should pay a fair share if they wish to participate with said society.

Especially considering the amounts involved. Going after an individual because they made a mistake in their taxes 20 years ago is one thing. Going after one of the biggest company in the world because they have 29B to give it’s another.

But there are statutes of limitations; evidence for your defense may have so far degraded or been unavailable.

Taxes don't pay for society though.

It's not like we raise taxes, use it to pay for society, and repeat. We decide to pay for it, do it, and maybe recoup some of the costs. That is why we have a deficit right?

Microsoft not paying $30B did not cause society to lose out on $30B.

That $30B got spent a long time ago. Now it will just sit contributing a little to the 11th digit of the national deficit.

no? Powerful collection means creditors think the US will pay it debts. This is why Greece collapsed, the EU gave them lists of people to chace for tax and they didn't. So why help when shit hits the fan.

Generally the limitation on back taxes is 10 years according to this source[1], but there is no limitation in the case of filing a fraudulent or false return or willfully attempting to evade tax. [2] is the official source. I dug around a bit and it looks like it is the same for businesses as individuals although I haven't got a source that says that crisply.

[1] https://www.findlaw.com/tax/tax-problems-audits/what-is-the-.... [2] https://www.irs.gov/filing/statutes-of-limitations-for-asses...