Easy. Refuse to mention your current or desired salary. It's not required that you do. Insist that they give a number first. Not only will you get more money, but you will not be seen as cheap. Win Win.
I think the OP specifically doesn't want more money? (I read the intent as staying below the $55K line)
That is correct, I edited my post for better clarity.
If he wants to sacrifice thousands of dollars due to the burden of paperwork, i'm sure he could then tell them after the offer that he wants 55k instead of 80k and they would be just fine with it.