How do you feel about Income Tax laws?

Question

My brother just received his pay today and he was mad.

His gross was near a thousand but he ended up with six hundred.

Money that he could of used for basic needs, like food and rent.

What countries have these laws and how do you feel about them?

In the US, is it constitutional?

www.fairtax.org

I looked into it, but could find a group here in Vegas. Since I cannot contact you directly, how do I get more involved with this group?

To further the flames of this hot topic, how would you challenge such laws?

Answer 1

Yes, as the constitution was amended to allow it. Up until then is was not constitutional.
You are going to pay for the goverment one way or the other.

Answer 2

Yes, it's constitutional. I concur, our tax system needs a grand overhaul, even a replacement. I support the national sales tax system where you would wind up paying your fair share when you buy the goods and service you can afford.

But as for your brother, he may need to complete a new W-4 form with his employer, if he works in the US. If he's claiming single zero on there, why is he doing this? If this is the way he has his deductions set, the Fed Govt has his money all year, INTEREST FREE. So many people have the misconception if they get back a huge refund on their income tax, it's a good thing.

IT'S NOT! Why would you allow someone to have your $$$ interest free??? The IRS certainly charges penalties and late fees if you're late paying your taxes. Don't they?? Sure they do.

A simple formula is that for every $300 received on a income tax refund, he should increase his W-4 allowances by 1. This will put more money in his pocket during the year which is the way it should be.

Keep in mind though, taxes are what keeps our Govt running. He's also receiving credit for those earnings with Social Security for his retirement or, should he become disabled or die, disability/survivors benefits.

Talk to a tax advisor, they'll tell him pretty much the same thing.

Answer 3

Some hold that taxes are unconstitutional, but I believe the issue is settled. I doubt they are going away any time soon.

40% sounds like a huge bite. I think the most I've personally ever paid was around 30%. He might want to double check with the accounting department of his employer.

How do I feel about taxes? Frankly I have mixed feelings. I think I have an obligation to pay my fair share of the upkeep and maintenance of infrastructure, defense, and so on, but I often have very negative feelings about how the funds are administered. I don't mind paying taxes. It beats being unemployed. I could launch into a real rant about how those taxes are misspent. I will be honest, though...the treasure that I resent misspending more is the treasure of life and limb. If my taxes supported honest and constructive diplomacy more often, maybe the most precious treasure could be better deployed to protect and serve national interests.

Your question about taxes will almost certainly draw rants about the war in Iraq, the Schip bill, the Democrats, the Republicans, and all sorts of name calling. I hope you spent some of your own income on hip boots, because it will likely get deep in here.

EDIT - WOW! I'm amazed....only one clear rant. I am pleased to see we can discuss something that actually matters without going off the deep end. Way to go all NON-Ranters! I'm passing out thumbs up!

Answer 4

This is certainly an area where Americans have not used their brains for figuring out fair solutions. The tax laws are defined by the IRS (Treasury Dept.) and we are obligated to follow their interpretation of those laws. It makes no difference that it requires many volumes to contain all the convoluted and unfair tax code. America continues to put up with this system despite the fact that a flat-tax system would create just as much revenue and lower the burden for most of us. We seem to be sending a message to congress: it's OK by us that it requires a tax attorney to file my return each year.
How did we ever come to accept that kind of silly solution?

Answer 5

The whole concept of an income tax is insane. Forcibly taking my money off the top before I have a chance to provide any of the basics of survival (food, shelter, etc.). Who came up with such a ridiculous system, and why do we still have it. Government should be at the back of the line for my money, not the front. It's madness!

Answer 6

I know EXACTLY how you feel. I use to feel the SAME way when I worked. I looked at my gross pay ck., what I actually earned, then when they take out this, that, & everything else, it's like what do "I" have left to live on. Then we watch the news & hear where they spent billions of dollars for this & that & KNOW it was MY money they used to the this & thats. But, it's something everyone has had to do since the beginning of time, so I don't foresee it changing. I would like that IF there's a certain family who just can't make ends meet, they should have a way their incomes would be taken into consideration & let the poor ones who are struggeling to pay their bills, give them a break. Take it from the ones who have the bucks & can afford it. I help my son who is on disability. He has a total of $75 left over after he pays his rent. Yes, his wife works, BUT, they don't go "easy" on her for taxes etc. & they just cannot make ends meet. I'm on Soc. Sec. only & I'm the one who helps them from getting their water, elect, gas from being turned off, I'm the one who helps pay dozens of perscription bills, gives them money for gas for their car so she can even get to work every day. Where does that leave me??!! I'm living on "fumes" by the end of the month. Well, guess I've said my piece!!! lol But, so well I understand where you're coming from.

Answer 7

It is Constitutional in the US since it's is covered specifically in an Amendment to the Constitution (sorry, don't know which number it is). I believe the Income tax is the government's largest source of revenue. I don't think the U.S. government could function on its bloated bureaucracy without the Income Tax. I just wish they spent it a little more wisely.

Answer 8

"How do you feel about Income Tax laws?" - They are complex but necessary. All those things that the federal government "pays for" comes from income taxes.

"Money that he could of used for basic needs, like food and rent." - The money is paying for the roads he may have used to get to work, may have been used for the water and sewage treatment plants in your area etc.

"What countries have these laws and how do you feel about them?" - I do not have a complete list however most countries have some sort of tax system in place.

In the US, is it constitutional? - Yes, read the 16th amendment. http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.amendmentxvi.html

Answer 9

Income tax should be eliminated and there should be a Federal Sales Tax implemented. The people who work "under the table" don't pay income tax and don't contribute to society, but they do take their untaxed money and spend it in stores. Everyone should be contributing rather than just the people who have real jobs.

Answer 10

There is considerable debate as to whether the Constitutional Amendment establishing the income tax was actually done legally.

Answer 11

Yes, he needs to be aware of deductions and know that at the end of the year he may get a tax refund. All is not lost, but it is a cost for all the things we enjoy in this country.