How is this not double speak?

Question

I was listening to the radio and they were advertising the EIC. They said " it is a tax refund for some people even if they didn't pay taxes" If you don't see something wrong with this don't answer the question.

I am familiar with the economic theory of a negative income tax (ala Milton Friedman). I am not asking about the benefits or costs. Please read the question

Answer 1

It is of course not a tax "refund" if the tax filer has paid no taxes; but is in fact a form of welfare in that it is transfer of wealth from taxpayers to non-payers administered through the income tax system.

To this extent it is double speak. Orwell is more alive now than ever.

Answer 2

The Earned Income Credit is one of the best federal tax programs in existence. It is supported by both liberal and conservative groups to encourage low income wage earners to work rather than rely on government assistance. In some circumstances, there may be a tax rebate in excess of the taxes paid because there is a tax "credit" based on the wage earner's status and number of dependents.

This is a fantastic program. It encourages people to get any job, even if it's low paying. Wouldn't you rather have a working mother of 2 get a little boost from an EIC on a tax return rather than spending years on welfare?

Answer 3

that makes no sense. if they didn't pay taxes why are they getting a refund? and what about the people who did pay taxes shouldn't ALL of them get a refund instead of people who didn't pay?
man are things screwed up! :(

Answer 4

Just business as usual - it's the liberals' "income redistribution" policy.