How do we lower taxes?

Question

I'm not some koook that doesn't understand that our taxes pay for the roads and all public services and that it's really the cost of living in society. I don't think the government is evil. But I do think they are taking too much from me. I'm a single young man, making a good living, but they are just taking too much out of my paycheck.

I know I know, someone will say, "Vote Republican" . Well I probably need to, but isn't there something more I can do to get taxes lowered?

This is America right? The land of the people right? Where we all have a vote, and I know all of us would like the government to take less from us (except those that would like the government to give MORE to them! haha)

I know it isn't a simple issue but there must be something I can do to change the current tax rates.

In response to the person who mentioned www.FairTax.org

I mean lowering taxes for everyone in general. But really I think there needs to be a reform in the ways we are taxed and I'm open to different approaches.

But you remind me of a great point. Sales tax!
Not only do I pay taxes on my income, but on most of the goods I purchase.

And for instance, say I want to buy a decent used car, I shop around for a good deal and buy a car. I drive it around for a few months just to try it out. Then I sell it and want to buy a different car. I'm paying a couple hundred bucks or more just for the purchase. Say I'd like to try out two or three cars a year like this, taxes really mess it up!
Sure I could lie about the purchase price, but my conscience prevents me from doing so.
Regarding the "own vs rent a home" comment. Great idea! but there's also a 1.5% per year tax on the purchase price of the property (about $500 a month here) I know it's still better in the long run but :(

In regards to "Well I probably need to...." ...
(You catch every detail! good!)
I haven't been voting much at all and the little voting I've been doing, hasn't been very informed. But I resolve to change that. In fact that will be my New Years resolution! (I know it's late but I still dont have one yet haha)

Answer 1

First of all- Wipe out income tax and replace it with a sales tax. Make people pay on what they use, don't punish people for working hard.There is a legitimate movement pushing for such a change and has the support of many in the congress. I doubt it will go forward in a democrat congress. Check it out at www.FairTax.org . If you believe in income redistibution you will not support such a thing. When you asked about reducing taxes I suspect you meant for everyone.

Answer 2

The best way you can lower your own taxes is to refrain from making so much money. Sorry.

If you were in Congress, I'd tell you to vote "NO" on all (and I do mean ALL) bills that have unrelated riders. Those unrelated riders are almost always unneeded pork. Why should taxpayers in Georgia be paying for a new museum in Alaska? If the people in Alaska want a new museum, shouldn't they pay for it themselves?
I'd also tell you to call up the authors of the unrelated riders and ask them why, if their rider has merit and should be funded, it shouldn't be its own bill.
Generally, the idea here is that the Federal Government should stop funding dumb programs -- and not create new ones.

Answer 3

There is not much as an individual you can do to change the tax rate tables so concentrate on your own taxes: IRAs, 401(k)s, own your home versus rent, etc.

Answer 4

"Well I probably need to...." Do you mean that you've BEEN voting to raise taxes and now you're asking how to lower them? Your vote IS your voice. You and I don't get to make the decisions about taxes. Our elected officials do.

Either use your voice to lower taxes, or don't complain!

Answer 5

You need to become aware and involved and oppose all new legislation that raises and yeah vote Republican.

Answer 6

You answered your own question: vote republican.