Do vegetarians and vegans deserve some sort of tax credit?

Question

Since it not only benefits the environment but much of our taxes are used for subsidies to the meat industry. I read once that if beef were not subsidized it would cost 30 dollars a pound. Is it really fair that those of us who don't eat it still have to pay for it?

Answer 1

Hey, I want my money back.
And yes I do also want all my money back that went toward making bombs.

Perhaps the amount of taxes people would pay could stay the same, but we could check a box or two to decide where our money goes. I would put all mine toward schools and health care because I actually care about living in a country of healthy, educated people even though I don't have kids... go fig.

Answer 2

I think this leads to some pretty tricky territiory. Some women argue that they should pay less since most crime is committed by men and they cost society more. Some think we should charge Latinos more to pay for the enforcement of the border with Mexico. Some believe African-Americans should get a tax break, since they still suffer from the ravages of slavery. And on and on.

Now if you want to talk about why we give billions of dollars a year to wealthy corporations who don't need the handout, you've got my attention.

Answer 3

There are two constants in life:

Death and taxes.

I know I pay taxes on stupid things that I never use but I also recognise that it is part of the society I choose to live in.
In Canada, income tax was only a war tax for WWII and yet we still keep on paying. Does it tick me off? Hell ya! Am I going to lament on petty issues like that? NO!!

Answer 4

Vegans and vegetarians deserve a tax credit as do those who choose to not have children, and for many of the same reasons. Instead, its the other way around, people who contribute to the demise of the planet by over-populating are rewarded with tax credits. Lets start a movement......

Answer 5

How is that supposed to be regulated? Then everyone and their dog would claim to be vegan just to receive the tax credit. You'd end up paying a lot more in taxes to hire people to determine whether or not these people actually did eat meat or not.

The unfortunate fact of life is that you have to pay taxes for all sorts of things that have absolutely nothing to do with you & your life choices. I can't stand that I am paying to give various drugs to addicts. Their poor life choices cost me money. It sucks, but such is life. If you don't like it move to a 3rd world country where no one helps to pay for anyone else's problems and see how you fare there.

Answer 6

We all pay taxes for things we don't use. In my city there is a transit levy on top of regular fuel taxes - I don't take the bus, yet whenver I pay for gas I'm helping the public transit system pay for theirs. I don't have kids in school yet part of my taxes go to schools.

You might as well say that you want to stop paying your portion of taxes that go to the military if you don't support war.

Answer 7

I don't think I'd like to go through the hassle of 'proving' my vegetarianism everytime tax season rolls around...something tells me the government would make it a hassle. Lets just tax the hell out of the meat eaters...wait, can't do that either, wouldn't be 'fair'. *Sigh*

Answer 8

Considering a vast majority of vegans are in so a low tax bracket that they don't pay taxes to begin with the point is moot.

But if they did no they don't the meat industry is a vital part of the American economy and vegans do nothing to support it. In fact your vegan beliefs are costing people jobs and making the rest of us have to spend more money.

Answer 9

Don't forget about subsidies to the fruit and veggie industries....

Just to be fair.

Answer 10

People who have hybrid cars get to drive in the carpool lane even if they are alone,maybe we should get to do that since you do more by being vegan then you'd do by driving hybrid cars?