So, I know some people who preach about how important it is to pay your taxes

There has never been a pure bartering system like Adam Smith described in history and taxes are important but what needs to be checked is how they are put to use.

The "taxation is theft" crowd are the most idiotic people ever and they seem to remind people to pay their taxes only cause they have to do it too but at the same time find excuses for ultra wealthy people and corporations evading taxes.