"Consider telling the IRS you've had a few bad years and will pay only a portion of your taxes. Undoubtedly the IRS will understand."

Actually the IRS will understand.  None other than Donald Trump admitted he wasn't paying Federal Income taxes for years because he had posted losses of $916M on his 1995 returns and thus was excused from paying income taxes for "years".  When asked just how many "years",he wouldn't answer. Gee, thanks for bringing it up Mr Smith!