Americans: Modern Day Taxation without Representation?

Question

Taxation with Representation: Any body who is taxed being represented in the governing force that is forcing taxes upon the average citizens.

I say, those under eighteen in American are being taxed in an illegal manner. Under the age of 18, American citizens should not be forced to pay taxes because they are not given the ability to vote for representation. In the simplest terms, this is a modern day case of Taxation w/o Representation. Why should a minor be forced to pay when the minor's voice is often ignored and never plays an immediate role in politics? I say why should I have to pay a government, why should I pay my taxes!? No person or body should be able to take my money without my consent or say as to what happens. If I can't vote then I shouldn't pay.

What do you think?

Answer 1

It seems the last two elections had one other than the popular vote recipient end up getting the win. In a way were all in the same boat as your under 18 example. Under 18 also means one cannot sign a legal binding financial contract without a co-signer of legal age. As a minor one should be exempt from all forms of taxation beyond sales taxes. Many young people are eager to vote and affect change. It is good that our youth follow issues and politics as often they are less easily duped. Some are not aware of why many things are the way they are because they haven't lived through the changes made in many political policies. History repeats itself when lessons are forgotten or unlearned. Todays youth have it much better than ever before in many ways yet face peer pressure that can be devastating. All ages need to learn from each other for todays matrix to work. It is sad that most kids 18 and under have only witnessed this countrys biggest embarassments to public office that have ever existed back to back. Many Americans pay dearly for choices they never made, most pay for aquired debt they had no choice on. Please, as a favor to us close to retirement age. Never let politicians dupe you into their verbal traps and false promises. The other end of the age spectrum depends on the youth of today to be involved and affect changes on issues for the universal betterment of all. We had no choice in many matters that were handed us but paid for past bad decisions while trying to make a better future for the next generation. The dream has been stolen from all of us by many in their 70's and older. Many of them risked their lives in ww2 and Korea so we could be free. The current leaders don't reflect our views and again generations of people, many yet to be born will pay for it. I think we need to reduce govt by 45%, law enforcement by 35%, and Attorneys by 60%. Then make the Senate and Congress remove 1/4 of the laws and write new ones in layman terms that make sense. No insanity pleas for example for criminals, if they are that insane, remove them from the living permanently. Get the US Govt out of the drug business and give it back to the Mafia. Drugs kill and so does obtaining them sometimes, let it be. When Govt fears and serves the people it costs less and kids can be more tax exempt.

Answer 2

Even though you are under 18, you are represented because the voting population (18 and up) choose their congress and senate.

Not sure if you are taxed in an illegal manner, your tax is proportionate to your income, besides, tax levels are the lowest they have been. If you check tax rates during the 20th century, they were much higher.

Additionally, even if you can vote, citizens have no standing to sue as a "taxpayer".

You should pay your local, state, and federal government in Taxes because your local government pays for your education (if you go to a public school), and also pays for city improvements such as roads and parks. Your state government pays and supports public universities, road projects, and even foots the bill for services we don't think of. And lastly, the Federal government uses your tax money for the benefit of all of us.

Taxation without representation is really a misnomer in today's world. The term arose when the colonists were tired of paying money to the crown back in England, because the colonists were not represented in Parliament.

I don't agree taxes should be paid, but as Benjamin Franklin said, "there are only 2 things certain in life, death and taxes."

I think the trick is to use the current Internal Revenue Code IRC (or tax code) to your benefit.

Answer 3

This is an important question. Historically this has always been the case. Young people used to normally start work at 15 or younger. While sales tax means anyone who spends money pays taxes.

The difference between the historical power imbalance that lead to the American revolution and young people is obvious.

Wait a few years and young people become old enough to vote, by which time they stop worrying about younger people.

This debate exists in many countries, but little has been done to extend representation to younger people.

Answer 4

Even though you are a minor, you are represented by your congressmen. You still get protection from the government and social security. You get education paid for in most cases by the government. You still get police protection. You still get mail. You still get freedoms in the Constitution. There is a way you can get out of paying taxes, but you give up a lot if you do that.

Don't forget about those laws that keep you from become a child slave working in a sweat shop like we had back in the early 1900's.

Answer 5

I think that is a fair question to be asking. Although, as a minor, you do receive many benefits and protections that those over 18 do not get, so in a way it may balance out.

Answer 6

Legally, a minor does have representation, via the representitives that their parents elect.

Answer 7

A minor is legally incapable of making the same major decisions as adults.

Answer 8

I think you have not a chance in hell of a good argument here.

Answer 9

good thinking,i agree,but i don't matter