Is There A Growing Resentment Against Taxes?

Question

Why are taxes so complicated--and so high? Are you obliged to pay them?

All thoughts on taxes welcome. How do you feel just in general about them will be a nice answer too.

Some great answers and I thank you-those who did

Answer 1

Since I have a Tax exam this week I am very opposed to how complicated they are.

I think there is growing resentment and always will be since inflation forces lower strata's of society into higher tax brackets. Congress occasionally compensates for this but I doubt there is anyone who is completely satisfied with how their tax dollars are spent.

Taxes are complicated because we tax income then make exceptions based on how we consume and income. Since any individuals consumption is complicated taxes are complicated. I am in favor of a switch to consumption based taxes. In that situation taxes would be considerably less complicated since most people only have a most few different types of businesses that would be affected. It would be a simple determination of whether the type of business you are in is taxed or not rather than evaluating every single transaction we would have 2 or 3 transactions to evaluate and that is only if you are engaged in a business. Many people would have no obligation to monitor their tax behavior.

Answer 2

I think most people work hard for what they got. Alot of people feel as if the government is making more and more money and the people are getting less and less. The truth is the government deserves some of it but not all of it. The government should exist of the bounty not blood suck the starving. I believe in welfare and some tax money going toward those types of programs. Some people on welfare are ligament. But why should I break my back, work my fingers to the bone while someone sits around, sells drugs and I pay for their food and living space? The tax system is getting way to complicated I think the government needs to come up with a better, more balanced plan...

Answer 3

Based on the results of the last general election, there must no be a growing resentment because they voted out the guys who want to keep them low. Personally, we pay too much and as you say, they are way too complicated. We should scrap the income tax code and adopt the Fair Tax plan. You only pay taxes on new things (not food of course). That makes it real simple, even a "cave man" can do it.

Answer 4

First, the rich are now paying a smaller percentage of their income in taxes than at any time in the last seventy-five years. That they pay a lot of taxes nonetheless is a by-product of the mind-boggling increase in their income and wealth relative to most other Americans. Second, if you consider not just income and capital-gains taxes but all the taxes people pay – including payroll taxes and sales taxes – you find that middle-income workers are now paying a larger share of their incomes than people at or near the top. We have turned the principle of a graduated, progressive tax on its head.

Washington has lots of bills to pay. We need increased tax reveune to provide educational programs. Ted Kennedy said it best, "Cutting education during the Information Age is like cutting defense during the height of the Cold War." This is why I am a Democrat and a common good progressive. This is not socialism either contrary to Republicans.

Answer 5

I don't object to receiving services for the taxes I pay, I like to know that the borders are secure, and the streets are safe. I like to know that the water is pure, and the trash will be picked up.

I don't object to caring for those that cannot care for themselves such as the mentally handicapped. I believe in giving everyone a hand up, I'm just tired of my taxes going to giving them a hand out.

What's worse, SOME of them believe they have some right to it. That it is the governments responsibility to feed,clothe, and provide medical care them since they burned out their own lungs smoking or whatever. They should be grateful that someone thought enough of them to help them, instead it's a right. Bullshit I say.

Answer 6

I hate that my tax dollars are going to illegal aliens while America and Americans are being neglected! I hate that our government has become as corrupt as any third world country....I worked 37 years and they tax my SS so illegals can drop anchor babies like we drop garbage in a can - so we can support them! I think our country is about to take it's last breath..while everything that is killing my country is paid by my tax dollars. Frustration isn't close to how I feel...I'm WAY beyond frustrated! All elected positions should have a 2 term limit!

Answer 7

Taxes are way to high.
One cut pack should be everyone in prison has to pay room and board. So if it cost the state $5000 to house an inmate said inmate should have to pay the bill or their family has to pay the bill.

Answer 8

I have no resentment against taxes,20% of the working people work for the goverment,most of the republican get some sort of handout

Answer 9

It is human nature to resent taxes. Not sure if it has grown though.

Answer 10

Well, for me, I have a growing resentment against big, wasteful government.

I'm sick of struggling and watching them screw me and then I have to continue paying them for life, it sucks.