Joker has pulled off some ridiculous schemes over the years—bank heists, chemical attacks, and once, an attempt to turn Gotham into a giant carnival of chaos. But this time? He made a mistake even crazier than usual.

He forgot to report his income from his own mayoral campaign.

Maybe he thought political donations were free money. Maybe he assumed tax laws were just another joke. But the IRS? They’re not in the business of laughing.

The Tax Man Always Finds You

It started with an audit. Joker’s campaign pulled in millions—some of it legal, most of it not. PACs, under-the-table deals, and dark money flooded in to support his so-called “Campaign for Chaos.” But when it came time to file his taxes, Joker did what he always does—ignored the rules.

No income reporting. No disclosures. No tax payments.

The IRS noticed. They always do.

The Penalties

The IRS doesn’t send caped crusaders or SWAT teams. They send something far worse: notices, penalties, and auditors who never stop digging. Here’s what Joker was hit with:

• Failure to report income – The IRS assumes you owe them everything until you prove otherwise.

• Tax evasion charges – A felony, with up to five years in federal prison.

• Civil fraud penalties – 75% of the unpaid tax, plus interest.

• Campaign finance violations – More fines, possible federal charges.

Suddenly, Joker’s usual tricks didn’t work. No escape plans. No laughing gas. Just a room full of humorless accountants ready to take everything.

The Final Joke (On Him)

When they finally arrested him, Joker tried to laugh it off. “Come on, fellas! I was gonna pay! Eventually! Maybe!”

The agents weren’t amused. Neither was the judge. Unlike Gotham’s revolving-door prisons, federal tax law has no parole, no plea deals, and no insanity defense. The government wants its money, and it always gets it.

The Lesson

Joker has dodged Batman, outwitted the police, and survived Arkham Asylum countless times. But the IRS? They’re the one force even he couldn’t escape.

Because in Gotham—or anywhere else—there’s one universal truth:

You don’t mess with the tax man.