What is the ruling on evading the taxes and fees that the state collects from merchants?

The questioner : Shaykh, regarding taxes and fees, are they permissible in the current time? Are the taxes and fees that the government takes from us permissible in the Shari'ah?

The Shaykh : I think your question is not clear, because you do not mean whether it is permissible for us to pay them; you mean whether it is permissible for the state to impose them?

The questioner : I mean, is it permissible for me to pay them if they are imposed on us?

The Shaykh : I had a good opinion of you, but I am disappointed in you! Is it possible for you not to pay them?

The questioner : And if it is possible for me, is there a sin on me?

The Shaykh : No, allow me. And if it is... is it possible for you not to pay them?

The questioner : That is the question I want to ask?

The Shaykh : May Allah guide you. It seems the infection has spread to you from your side! ... .

The questioner : Shaykh, it is not possible for me.

The Shaykh : If it is not possible for you, what do you say about his (peace be upon him) saying: And you are not able, may Allah forbid it, to pray standing, would you ask whether you should pray standing?

The questioner : No, of course not.

The Shaykh : So this is also not, of course.

The questioner : But the question is, if I am able, does a sin fall on me, Shaykh?

The Shaykh: Yes.

The questioner : This is my question: if I am able to evade, does anything fall on me? This is my question?

The Shaykh : If you do it in the best way, it is permissible, but by deception, cheating, and lying, it is not permissible.