Should the federal government use marriage as a status for income tax? And if ye

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   bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years ago

   Should the federal government use marriage as a status for income tax? And if yes, then Why?
   
   

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2. 71

   dashingscorpioposted 9 years ago

   Theoretically a married couple becomes one family.
   I don't think it 's a big deal either way now a days.
   There used to be a so called "marriage penalty tax" that was complained about for years. When two single cohabitating unmarried persons filed their income tax they each had a higher standard tax deduction than when two married people combined their deductions.
   However it should be noted married couples have the option of filing married but separately. There is no law requiring them to file as one.
   Today I believe the federal standard deduction for those who do not itemize is $6300 for a single person and $12,600 for a couple.
   That's equal.
   Having said that if a couple is separated or going through a divorce and file separately it is possible the government may withhold one person's refund if the other one owes taxes! As long as you're legally married your taxes and credit are intertwined.
   One person can effect the other person financially.
   That sucks!

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   1. 52

      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      It is still discriminatory to the single person, as they don't have an option.
      And you think all discrimination is the same, from other questions that you have answered.
      Is this discrimination?

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   2. 71

      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      No, I've never indicated all discrimination is the same. In fact I've said "All laws discriminate against someone or a group." We as a society determine if the law makes sense.  The $6300 deduction (per person) is the same married or single!

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      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      My apologies dashingscorpio
      It was nicomp and I thought I remember it was you..
      Really sorry. my fault in relying on my memory instead of checking it out.
      As to your response, society has little affect on changing senseless laws.

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   4. 71

      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      No problem!
      As for society I do believe changes occur in laws with each generation. There was a time where slavery was legal and then people rose up against it. As society changes so do many of the laws we choose to govern us change.

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   5. 52

      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That is true, but society has made major mistakes from new laws, and even in amendments. Basically, because the government cannot successfully resolve social issues. Abortion is still an issue since 1974. Marriage is still an issue

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      dashingscorpioposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I see your point.
      However those things are only "issues" because some people aren't content with just controlling their own lives!
      If someone is pro-life they don't have to have an abortion, Against same sex marriage don't marry the same sex.

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   7. 52

      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      That is not the way social issues play out. And that is why they are different than balancing a budget, and other objective issues. point is that the SC doesn't resolve issues they decide cases, and 5-4 decisions are questionable, 4 justices disagree

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   Ericdierkerposted 9 years ago

   Discrimination is a non issue. Single is not a protected class of peoples. It is a choice as marriage is and now for everyone. Black, handicapped and gender are not choices they are protected. As are many more. The litany of reasons too lengthy for here -- it is just accepted.
   If I ever got married for a tax break -- shoot me and shoot me dead. Marriage is wonderful yet the brutality can only be justified by love.
   We reward students, children, inmates and taxpayers for good behavior. Marriage is a stabilizing force of society. It is good. So we incentivize it as we should.
   Yes marital status is a good reason to give a break. But from what I read it is no longer really a break, but hey that is coming from a certified taxpayer advocate married to a certified tax preparer. Life is good and taxes are necessary for social causes like freeways.

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   1. 52

      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I cannot disagree with you more.

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      Ericdierkerposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      I gather you are single

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   3. 52

      bradmasterOCcalposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Married for 24 yrs. Income Tax doesn't need to be so complicated and unfair.
      Marriage has been succeeded by divorce since 1970 no fault divorce.
      Taxes can be derived from other than Income Taxes, National Sales Tax is fair

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