Things the U.S. Government taxes, but shouldn't...

1. 75

   Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years ago

   I'm not sure how we got here but I'm starting to see that the U.S. Government seems to think they are the "house" like the gambling institutions of Las Vegas. They seem to believe they have a right to take a cut of any and every transaction that occurs inside the border.
   
   If I work really hard and earn 100 million dollars, on which I pay income tax, and then decide to gift someone with a million of my dollars... Why does Uncle Sam seem to think he is entitled to a slice of my gift?
   
   Isn't it my money? Don't I have a right to do with it as I see fit? To give 100% to whom I want? Why must I pay "taxes" on a gift that I have already paid taxes on? Isn't it then mine to give?
   
   Now tell me some of yours.
   
   What else does the U.S. Government tax, that they shouldn't?

   replyreport
   1. 95

      wildernessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Welcome to the world of liberals - all money is theirs to spend or give away as they see fit.  The intent is to leave you just enough of your earnings to keep you productive.
      
      I would suggest cigarette taxes - Idaho recently did a multi million renovation of their statehouse, funded 100% by cigarette taxes.  The feds haven't gotten that bad, but every time you buy a pack, you pay uncle Sam for the privilege.  The upcoming "tanning tax" is another - what will you get for that tax besides the privilege of paying for some else's health care?  Inheritance taxes come to mind.

      replyreport
   2. 60

      christiansisterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Not to mention... You pay tax on your income then you go to the store and buy goods and pay more tax, then you pay tax on your property that was purchased with the money you have already been taxed on and still have to pay a tax yearly to keep your property, then you save money that has already been taxed that after enough has been saved kicks you into a higher tax bracket(which means higher tax liability. Then you pay yearly taxes on your car, boat or other luxury you have managed to scroung for yourself, then you pay a sin tax if you indulge in smoking or drinking. You pay tax on every gallon gas that you buy. And that is only the beginning. What are you facing if you decide to form a business but cannot afford to incorporate. You pay a 24% self employment tax.
      See there is no such thing as double taxation! That was surpassed a long time ago.

      replyreport
2. 64

   Mishaposted 13 years ago

   Actually, before 1913 I believe, your government did not tax your income either. Is it a coincidence that the USA did not take part in any war away from its soil before that date, and it took part in almost every war after?

   replyreport
   1. 95

      wildernessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      No, not coincidence, but not the cause and effect you infer, either.  WWI caused taxes, not the other way around.  Even WWII resulted in much larger taxes - taxes did not cause the war.
      
      I would agree that taxes make it possible for the US to become the world policeman, though, and that does give rise to wars.

      replyreport
      1. 75

         Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Please stay on topic.

         replyreport
      2. 60

         christiansisterposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Taxes paying for war? At least in that arena we can see where the money is going. Not that I am condoning it.
         
         What about all the trillions of dollars that you never see working anyplace. Like it just vanished into thin air. Really just trimming all the corporate pork spending would give us some relief.
         
         Hey how about trimming down government salaries?
         
         And maybe make them pay into the social security fund that they dip extensively out of. All of these suggestions might bring in a few cents.

         replyreport
   2. 75

      Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Please stay on topic.

      replyreport
      1. 64

         Mishaposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Umm, I thought I was close enough. Never mind, I am leaving. Wilderness, sorry, some other thread...

         replyreport
         1. 95

            wildernessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Another time, Misha.  The boss has spoken!

            replyreport
            1. 75

               Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               I did say please.

               replyreport
               1. 95

                  wildernessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  That has nothing to do with taxes.  Please stay on topic!

                  replyreport
                  1. 75

                     Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                     

                     replyreport
   3. 81

      Wesman Todd Shawposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      I think you've made a very valid point.  I don't believe that there is a coincidence involved in it either.

      replyreport
      1. 75

         Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Again... this thread isn't about how they spend the taxes they collect, where the money goes or why. It is an attempt to list the things that are taxed, and should not be.
         
         Please stay on topic.

         replyreport
         1. 81

            Wesman Todd Shawposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Well, if you are asking my personal opinion.  I do not believe that the IRS is a legitimate part of the United States Government.  I think paying local city, and state taxes is the right thing to do.  I literally get sick to my stomach thinking about what is being done overseas to innocent persons in the name of corporate greed. . . .with my income taxes.

            replyreport
         2. 59

            Mark Knowlesposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            Probably be easier to make a list of things they do not tax. It would be a lot shorter.

            replyreport
            1. 95

               wildernessposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               Come on, Mark!  What fun is a blank sheet of paper? 
               
               Although maybe we could use it to list new taxes.

               replyreport
3. 66

   AnnCeeposted 13 years ago

   Washington figures since the recipient of your gift didn't earn it, it's fair game for them.  They compare it to gambling winnings. 
   
   You know, Washington?  Say anything, just get the money.
   
   
   
   
   One hundred dollar bills.
   
   

   replyreport
4. 60

   megs78posted 13 years ago

   can i talk about things taxed in canada? oh, wait, everything here is taxed, never mind

   replyreport
5. 65

   Michael Willisposted 13 years ago

   Property: Personal and Land
   
   Because of the Government's taxes WE own nothing! Everything bought and possessed is just a rental fee/Lease from the Government. I say this because if you do Not pay these taxes, these items will be seized by the Government.

   replyreport
   1. 75

      Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Deleted
      1. 65

         Michael Willisposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Oops...get upset talking Government and taxes. Will correct it.
         Thanks.

         replyreport
      2. 65

         Michael Willisposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Another is...taxing taxes!
         
         You receive a refund from your State Return and the IRS expects that to be listed as Income of your next Tax Return.
         
         1. Gov. takes taxes from your Income from the top.
         2. State takes taxes from your income from the top.
         3. Refund is "over-payment" from Gov. and State.
         
         Since the IRS has already taxed your Total Income...they shouldn't tax again what they have already taxed!

         replyreport
6. 61

   mikelongposted 13 years ago

   "Actually, before 1913 I believe, your government did not tax your income either. Is it a coincidence that the USA did not take part in any war away from its soil before that date, and it took part in almost every war after?"
   
   Misha, I guess it depends on what you consider "its soil"....
   
   The invasion of Mexico...Cuba...numerous actions throughout the Carribbean and Central/South America...not to mention North Africa...the Phillippines, Hawaii....
   
   The American military was globally invested long before 1913...

   replyreport
   1. 75

      Mikel G Robertsposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      Misha you should start a thread about that topic...obviously lots of people want to discuss it.
      
      Just a thought.

      replyreport
7. 72

   KeithTaxposted 13 years ago

   You have a $1 million gift tax exclusion. Your example means you would not pay gift tax.
   
   Also, in tax theory, taxes are assessed in a disproportionate way (see 13th Amendment of the Constitution) because it is felt that if you make $100 million, you did so because our society created the environment allowing you such an income.
   
   In response to an earlier post, income taxes began during the Civil War in the 1860s (1863, I think), and were later found unconstitutional. The current tax code began in 1913. One argument against the income was that if the government were allowed to institute an income tax, the government would some day tax at rates as high as 5%.
   
   Finally, foreigners should pay a higher tax rate for income earned here. Since foreigners will never carry a gun defending this nation, they should be required to pay for those that do. Foreigners have all the advantages of Americans while living in the United States. They should pay for those benefits.

   replyreport