Tiger Board Logo

Donor's Den General Leaderboards TNET coins™ POTD Hall of Fame Map FAQ
GIVE AN AWARD
Use your TNET coins™ to grant this post a special award!

W
50
Big Brain
90
Love it!
100
Cheers
100
Helpful
100
Made Me Smile
100
Great Idea!
150
Mind Blown
150
Caring
200
Flammable
200
Hear ye, hear ye
200
Bravo
250
Nom Nom Nom
250
Take My Coins
500
Ooo, Shiny!
700
Treasured Post!
1000

YOUR BALANCE
Tax positions
storage This topic has been archived - replies are not allowed.
Archives - General Boards Archive
add New Topic
Replies: 82
| visibility 1

Tax positions


Feb 11, 2016, 2:40 PM

I am a student, a business major, and with the primary not far away my strategic management professor has asked us to get the feelings of people on tax structures.

I am a republican and I believe whole heartedly in a fair tax, meaning you pay taxes based on what you spend, really just an additional tax on sales. That way if you keep all your money in a jar in your backyard you don't pay. If you spend 2 million on your 4th yacht for fishing in the gulf then you pay taxes on that. If you don't spend you don't pay taxes. But everyone spends money and everyone will only pay their fair share of taxes. The only downfall is some may cut back on disposable income spending but that is only a theory and would likely not be a substantial tax loss since in theory people would have more money when taxes aren't taken out at the end of the week,

On the other hand trump has a progressive simple tax. 1% comes out under 30k 5% for people from 30-100k 10% for 100-1mil and 15% over 1 million. I'm fine with this, I think there could be more brackets over 10 mil and beyond but it's a good idea.

Other taxes are the flat tax rates. Often 10% across the board with no deductions and loopholes. Some say families under 40k don't pay taxes but it depends on the candidate.

All of these would essentially abolish the irs and make taxes incredibly simpler. No loopholes, no deductions, just pay your taxes and that's it.


My vote is obviously a fair at, which as far as I know, no candidate has proposed.
I just would like to know what you would like. Let's not get into a cyber fight. I just want some feedback for class.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

personally


Feb 11, 2016, 2:43 PM

having 4 dependents I like the EIC and CTC

but I suppose if there is a fixed tax for my income bracket I could make that up during the year with more disposable income. However, when I get those big returns I like to put it away for vacations and other things that I normally wouldn't save up for.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

you can thank us for subsidising your children


Feb 11, 2016, 4:04 PM

have some more, pay less on taxes and more on your choices

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Flat tax and get rid of the IRS.***


Feb 11, 2016, 2:44 PM



2024 purple level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

'I Cannot Sanction Your Buffoonery'


Get rid of the IRS, eliminate the current tax system, and


Feb 11, 2016, 2:45 PM

establish a National sales tax (exclusive of food and clothing).

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-20yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.


And eliminate Corp Tax


Feb 11, 2016, 2:49 PM

this will drive the cost of good/services down significantly.

That way the national sales tax will be less of an impact...

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Delusionary...***


Feb 11, 2016, 11:35 PM

null


Message was edited by: SOLOS®


2024 white level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Yep...to a libtard***


Feb 13, 2016, 6:24 PM



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Tax positions


Feb 11, 2016, 2:45 PM

NFR

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

DB23


Re: Tax positions


Feb 11, 2016, 2:53 PM

My wife is a Clemson Grad and CPA. Just stop it. I don't want to be homeless. HA! All kidding aside. I like the flat tax idea.

badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Tax Priorities


Feb 11, 2016, 2:56 PM

1) Simplification of Code
2) Revenue Recognition for Multinational Corporations. Corps Need to Pay Taxes in Country Where They Generate Revenue. Period
3) Capital Gains Should Not Be Penalized. Investment is Good.

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

So taxing capital gains is being "penalized".


Feb 11, 2016, 3:05 PM

You are using the vernacular to make something sound evil.

So investing is good and shouldn't be taxed. But, then is the corollary that working is bad and therefore should be taxed?

Basically, you are saying that money that is risked should not be taxed?

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Tax Priorities


Feb 11, 2016, 5:22 PM [ in reply to Tax Priorities ]

> 1) Simplification of Code

Agreed.

> 2) Revenue Recognition for Multinational Corporations. Corps Need to Pay Taxes in Country Where They Generate Revenue. Period

Agreed.

> 3) Capital Gains Should Not Be Penalized. Investment is Good.

Are you saying Capital Gains shouldn't be taxed at all or that the taxes are too high?

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Tax Priorities


Feb 11, 2016, 5:47 PM

I think he is referring to investments. Often you are taxed for taking money from 401Ks and other investment portfolios and it is simply unjust. You let that money grow, it was taxed when you cashed your paycheck. It's a double tax system in that regard.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

No, money put into 401(k)'s was not taxed.


Feb 11, 2016, 6:36 PM

Money put into a Roth IRA is taxed.

So, when you take money out of the Roth IRA it is not taxed again because it was already taxed.

When you take money out of a 401(k) (or traditional IRA) it is taxed because it was not already taxed.

There is nothing unjust about this.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Misunderstanding


Feb 11, 2016, 7:11 PM

Im not a finance major, but I was always under the impression that was how it works.

Either way, money put into a legal investment should not be taxed. Again another reason I believe in the fair tax, it would eliminate situations like that. The citizen tax code could be put onto one page.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Tax Priorities


Feb 11, 2016, 6:37 PM [ in reply to Re: Tax Priorities ]

You are not taxed twice for your retirement investments. Where are you seeing that?

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I was mistaken


Feb 11, 2016, 7:12 PM

I have no first hand experience with that stuff, I was just under the impression that is how it works.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

IRS needs to go. We need a simplified tax code...


Feb 11, 2016, 2:58 PM

to save the trees

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpgbadge-ringofhonor-franc1968.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: Tax positions


Feb 11, 2016, 2:59 PM

I think we all want to pay zero in taxes and have even more governmental services.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


How would $CU grads survive without gubment services***


Feb 11, 2016, 3:07 PM



2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-20yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.


they wouldn't***


Feb 11, 2016, 3:15 PM



2024 white level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Did you not read the OP? He said he was fine with paying and


Feb 11, 2016, 3:15 PM [ in reply to Re: Tax positions ]

didn't mention squat about additional government services...Don't project your own loser mentality on the rest of us

2024 white level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: Did you not read the OP? He said he was fine with paying and


Feb 11, 2016, 3:16 PM

I'm just pointing out the ideal tax scenario.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


No....you're pointing out YOUR ideal tax scenario...there


Feb 11, 2016, 3:20 PM

are plenty of people here who don't share your mooch mentality

2024 white level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Re: No....you're pointing out YOUR ideal tax scenario...there


Feb 11, 2016, 3:22 PM

So far no one has suggested we raise taxes so it sounds like we are all mooches.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


I think that may be an assumption...


Feb 11, 2016, 3:34 PM

as stated, the question was about tax positions...

Someone like me thinks that raising taxes can reduce tax revenue as it squeezes the private marketplace. But again, that was not the question.

But, coming from it from your end, no one has suggested that we pay no taxes except you

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpgbadge-ringofhonor-franc1968.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


I think it can be argued.....


Feb 11, 2016, 3:34 PM [ in reply to Re: No....you're pointing out YOUR ideal tax scenario...there ]

that a national sales tax would increase the tax base simply because people who currently aren't paying anything at all would be forced to pay taxes based on the goods they purchase.

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-20yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.


Re: I think it can be argued.....


Feb 11, 2016, 3:40 PM

Is your goal to increase the tax base or to have a more effective tax system?

Adding a tooth fairy tax would increase the tax base but it's probably a dumb idea.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


It's entirely possibly to accomplish both....


Feb 11, 2016, 3:47 PM

especially if we can eliminate all of the deadbeat $CU alums living off gumbment subsidized social service programs.

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-20yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.


So, keeping your own money...


Feb 11, 2016, 3:55 PM [ in reply to Re: No....you're pointing out YOUR ideal tax scenario...there ]

...is being a mooch?? I think maybe you need to revise your definition of mooch.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: So, keeping your own money...


Feb 11, 2016, 4:06 PM

Getting more governmental services than you pay for = a mooch.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


Exactly...and the only person suggesting that be the ideal


Feb 11, 2016, 4:57 PM

situation is your loser a$$

2024 white level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


What government services do you receive that you feel


Feb 11, 2016, 5:05 PM [ in reply to Re: So, keeping your own money... ]

are of adequate quality?

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpgringofhonor-lakebum1-110.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: What government services do you receive that you feel


Feb 11, 2016, 9:15 PM

Clemson seems like an alright institution.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


here we go Trollboy...who else suggested increased handouts?***


Feb 11, 2016, 4:56 PM [ in reply to Re: No....you're pointing out YOUR ideal tax scenario...there ]



2024 white level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Actually, he is right. If you listen, there are a lot of


Feb 11, 2016, 4:06 PM [ in reply to Re: Did you not read the OP? He said he was fine with paying and ]

there are a lot of citizens who complain about taxes and then also complain about items such as:

bad roads
bad schools
high tuition
not enough cops
water smells bad
water has lead in it
etc
etc
etc

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Nobody like to pay taxes.***


Feb 11, 2016, 4:08 PM



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Actually, he is right. If you listen, there are a lot of


Feb 11, 2016, 4:15 PM [ in reply to Actually, he is right. If you listen, there are a lot of ]

All of these are state and local functions. The question is about federal taxes.

That is the first problem. The federal government takes your money so they can give it back to the states and tell them how to spend it. Federal taxes should come down, but local taxes would need to go up. In the end if you are paying less, more, or the same, you would have more control and influence over the spending so it would benefit all.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

That's because we get nothing in return for the taxes


Feb 11, 2016, 4:53 PM [ in reply to Actually, he is right. If you listen, there are a lot of ]

we do pay. That is what people miss, the problem isn't a lack of revenue, it's a mismanagement of funds. Why would you pay more for even worse service?

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpgringofhonor-lakebum1-110.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Exactly.


Feb 11, 2016, 5:06 PM

The government is inefficient. They are funding the presidents agenda. The government is entirely too big. I would venture to guess that many of these federal institutions would operate incredibly more efficient if they were private entities, think the USPS. The DOT should not even be as big as it is. It should be nothing more than a government building with people making decisions on where to spend the money with private contractors doing the maintenance and construction. Salt spreading the one time a year that happens, resurfacing these secondary and tertiary roads should not have 8 DOT employees standing around a sealer with one man doing the work.

Those state employees could make more and be much more efficient in the private sector.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

The Government is going to write you a check for over $20k


Feb 12, 2016, 12:16 PM [ in reply to That's because we get nothing in return for the taxes ]

The Government is going to write you a check for over $20,000 per year when you retire.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

And here I thought your defense of all things coot posts


Feb 11, 2016, 4:14 PM [ in reply to Re: Tax positions ]

were the worst posts on here.

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Brad Brownell: Only Larry freaking Shyatt has a WORSE overall winning percentage among Clemson basketball coaches since 1975. Let that sink in. It's Larry Shyatt & then Brad Brownell.


Re: Tax positions


Feb 11, 2016, 3:20 PM

trump simple tax is good ... need to pay something for fed tax. Nothing is freeI IRS should 1/20 it is today! Child credit for 3 only. The government should not pay out more money than you paid in.

Think fair tax is not so good if everyone did not spend any money then what? Paying cash or trading would go up.

Flat tax would be ok too but 10% would be more painful to someone making $30k versus some one making a $million.

Problem is we should be taxed only once on the same money. So we pay fed and state and local taxes.

Use taxes are ok as like a higher gas tax to fix the d@m roads. You drive a lot and tear up the roads, you pay for as you buy more gas.

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Uhhh. A flat tax is no more painful for a $30k guy than to


Feb 11, 2016, 4:17 PM

a $1mm guy.

It's all relative.

The $1mm guy is paying in this scenario $100k in taxes. He's prolly spent most of his career working 60+ hours per week, may have invested $250-$500k in education (Ivy league, Dr, etc.) and made GREAT sacrifice to get to that point. Prolly even has debt associated with getting there.

Paying the same percentage is VERY equitable IMO.

Look at it this way: The $30k guy is paying a whopping $3k in taxes annually. That's less $60 per week....compared with nearly $2,000 per week for the $1mm guy.

Most don't earn $1mm and therefore make those that do targets. I got news for ya....very few that earn $1mm annually got there due to luck, inheritance, or lotto winnings. They got there by working hard and taking risks.

$30k guy may not have gone to college and may work a straight 40 hours. Doesn't make him a bad guy, just pointing out the differences.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


The flat tax proposals


Feb 11, 2016, 4:36 PM

All have exemptions for families under a certain income usually 30-40k and a number of dependents.

These also have exemptions for investments and such. So that those who want to invest and save for the future so that one day they won't be living off of a government check won;t be penalized for bettering themselves.

I have a small job and don;t work much with school and taxes make up nearly 25% of my check. A ridiculous amount especially when i am a student. Someone who is providing society with another educated, contributor of society after graduation. Something I think should be addressed.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Uhhh. A flat tax is no more painful for a $30k guy than to


Feb 11, 2016, 5:34 PM [ in reply to Uhhh. A flat tax is no more painful for a $30k guy than to ]

Sure it is. Of course relatively it's the same percentage but after $30k guys pays he has $27k absolute value left over whereas $1MM guy has $900k. Are you telling me guy number doesn't have it easier? I'm not talking about who deserves what here btw.

There was a study done fairly recently too that says happiness correlates strong up to about $70k a year and then tapers of. So 10% of $30k absolutely hurts more than it does the $1MM guy.

> Most don't earn $1mm and therefore make those that do targets. I got news for ya....very few that earn $1mm annually got there due to luck, inheritance, or lotto winnings. They got there by working hard and taking risks.

Look, hard work is a prerequisite here but being very wealthy has a LOT to do with luck and a large percentage of wealthy people DID inherit all or a portion of their wealth.

Do you think Bill Gates born even a decade before or after turns into Bill Gates we know today? Absolutely not, brilliant guy, hardworking no doubt but his circumstances were entirely luck. Warren Buffet born in a 3rd world country? Same thing. Hell, take a look at yourself, I'm sure you are a Clemson grad doing well for yourself and that you worked hard for it. But you can't tell me that your circumstances didn't have a lot to do with luck. You don't choose when/where you are born and how smart you are. It's a genetic lottery.

Also, there are many many people who work very hard every day and never become wealthy (or even make it out of poverty). I'm not saying the wealthy don't deserve their money for their hard work and sacrifice, of course they deserve it but let's not act like these are super special people that got there based on shear will and determination all on their own. For every mark Zuckerberg there are thousands if not millions of other poor smucks who worked hard and lost it all.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Thee odds of nobody spending


Feb 11, 2016, 4:19 PM [ in reply to Re: Tax positions ]

For a fair tax is ridiculously low. So everyone is just going to stop consuming in an instant? It may happen for a while that people will spend less but it is highly unlikely it will sustain. People will consume and there's not way around it.

The flat taxes proposed would exclude those under the 40-30k mark. And I generally agree with a flat tax until you get to the top 1%. Then it should be higher.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

The tax code grants too much power to be rewritten.***


Feb 11, 2016, 3:47 PM



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

it wouldn't be rewritten. Simply abolished.


Feb 11, 2016, 4:20 PM

It's not hard to think. I mean several things have been abolished. Slavery, Jim crow laws etc

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Tax positions


Feb 11, 2016, 3:56 PM

Eliminate the income tax.

Replace it completely with a VAT.

Exempt the VAT on food, clothing and shelter.

2024 purple level member flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I am thankful I don't live in Mexico. I will gladly


Feb 11, 2016, 4:00 PM

I will gladly pay the tax I owe on April 15 if the alternative is to move to Mexico.


Our Government spends close to $3 trillion dollars a year.

I think America would be a much different place if that was cut to say less than $2.5 trillion dollars.

So I am a republican, but I don't want to cut spending beyond $2.5 trillion dollars a year.

I am going to answer your question with a question of my own.

How much per year do you think the US government should spend?
Then take that number and divide it by the 300 million citizens in the USA to find the average tax burden on each citizen.

Then try and figure out if there is a "fair" way to collect the taxes needed to run the USA.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: I am thankful I don't live in Mexico. I will gladly


Feb 11, 2016, 4:23 PM

It's no secret the government is incredibly inefficient. I mean to creat a job it's is nearly double the cost for the government compared to the private sector. And that's a fact that you can find in reputable academic journals. I believe in small government. States rights. If you want to be socialist the. Be a socialist in California. The country was founded with states rights in mind. And with hundreds of years of crap laws the government has become a beaurocratic mess.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

The citizens gave up states rights when they allowed the 16t


Feb 11, 2016, 4:48 PM

The citizens gave up states rights when they allowed the 16th Amendment to become part of the US Constitution.

I actually hate the control the feds have over me. For example, I make a decent living, but I have reduced my living standards (increased 401K saving) in order to avoid paying any tax at 25%. I have a vacation home on the lake, but I drive a "beater" because of the control that taxes have on my life.


Here is what is important:

For conversation sake, assume we the collective citizens, wants the government to spend $2.5 trillion dollars/year (down 20% from last year). That makes the average tax burden on each citizen $8,333 dollar/year.

What is the fairest way to collect on average $8,333 dollars/year from every citizen.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I don;t think the 16th abolished states rights


Feb 11, 2016, 4:56 PM

I mean it allowed the fed gov to tax but that doesnt take away all of the states power. A state can and should have the right to decide, based on it's law-abiding, legal citizens needs and wants. I should be able to elect a state representative that shares ideals similar to mine to represent me in the state congress. And through that decide on public education, immigrant rights, and so on.

And the same goes for the senators and reps in the nations capital.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Remove all the Exemptions and Deductions


Feb 11, 2016, 4:05 PM

Too many special interests fighting for too many exemptions/deductions. Remove those and the tax code is simplified significantly. You can expand the tax base, and likely shrink the # of tax grids too.

I used to be a fan of consumption related taxes, but then felt too many exceptions were needed to identify necessities that wouldn't be taxed (clothing, groceries, etc). Plus, who would pay the tax (the end user? the companies in-between that are building products? so many variables).

Not a fan of the flat tax as 10% for me means something much different to those with lower incomes. I'm okay paying a higher share within reason ('within reason' is a subjective measure).

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Remove all the Exemptions and Deductions


Feb 11, 2016, 5:13 PM

I believe us as consumers will pay the fair tax.

Business would probably be under a flat tax or maybe a simple progressive tax like Trump's suggestion. It is pretty simple still.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

The Fair Tax is a complete consumption tax....


Feb 13, 2016, 6:52 PM

up through the entire supply chain. Businesses would no longer pay income tax...same as consumers.

badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

flat tax


Feb 11, 2016, 4:12 PM

on income AND on sales. The folks that make more will pay more. Gumment needs to figure out the math to make it right.

If you make TEN DOLLARS PER YEAR, you can pay your share. If you make TEN JILLION per year, you will pay your share as well.

The wealthy often times have taken risks and have made investments (college, family life, etc.). They shouldn't pay a higher PERCENTAGE of tax because of that.

Deduction codes can be simplified somehow.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Welp, I think the 47% who pay nothing should pay something


Feb 11, 2016, 4:45 PM

And the tax code should be drastically simplified.

And Lois Learner should be in jail, rooming with some big ole lesbo amazon woman. Oh course, there is the chance she would enjoy that.

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

https://as1.ftcdn.net/v2/jpg/00/81/16/28/1000_F_81162810_8TlZDomtVuVGlyqWL2I4HA7Wlqw7cr5a.jpg


Where did you get 47% from?


Feb 11, 2016, 4:48 PM

Just curious

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

He watched the debates in 2012***


Feb 11, 2016, 4:54 PM



flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Mitt Romney. Don't you even 2012?***


Feb 11, 2016, 4:54 PM [ in reply to Where did you get 47% from? ]



2024 white level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

https://as1.ftcdn.net/v2/jpg/00/81/16/28/1000_F_81162810_8TlZDomtVuVGlyqWL2I4HA7Wlqw7cr5a.jpg


47% who pay nothing???


Feb 11, 2016, 4:53 PM [ in reply to Welp, I think the 47% who pay nothing should pay something ]

Everyone that has income pays taxes on their income.

You pay 14% social security tax and XX% income tax on every pay check.
The 14% must be paid by everyone on the first $100,000 plus of yearly income.

The 14% is even paid by an individual who only makes $2,000 in a year.

The 14% is a flat tax on the first $100,000 plus of yearly income.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Or Forbes


Feb 11, 2016, 4:56 PM

http://www.forbes.com/sites/beltway/2013/08/30/fewer-americans-paying-no-federal-income-tax/#e390a87feeb6

2024 white level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

https://as1.ftcdn.net/v2/jpg/00/81/16/28/1000_F_81162810_8TlZDomtVuVGlyqWL2I4HA7Wlqw7cr5a.jpg


Again a tax loophole.


Feb 11, 2016, 5:00 PM

And a statistic from a very low time in out economy. Those numbers are certainly much lower right now.

That is why a flat or fair tax is the answer to these loopholes and deductions that are simply crap. I will gladly sacrifice a tax return for a few more % in my check at the end of the week.

Economically it is inarguable that more money in your pocket equals more spending.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

No, they really aren't....


Feb 11, 2016, 5:42 PM

I'm not sure what you mean by "loophole" in this discussion.

The tax info for 2014 isn't on the IRS tax stats page yet, but I don't believe the income tax burden carried by the lowest 50% will change substantially...and if anything it will likely go done and not up.

badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: No, they really aren't....


Feb 11, 2016, 5:51 PM

Loophole = Tax breaks and special deductions for certain households.

In 75,000, yes 75k pages of tax code there are enough loopholes that; with the right lawyer and tax accountant, a person could essentially pay minimal taxes and or have huge refunds. This is more true for those who have household income over 250k. But, and keep in mind I am a student, I think in 09 Obama set a bunch of deductions and refunds for people who lost jobs and had low incomes etc.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Deductions and carveouts are not loopholes....


Feb 11, 2016, 7:57 PM

The definition of a loophole is some rule that offers someone an unintended break.

It is not true that people can hire lawyers and accountants and get huge refunds or pay no taxes on high levels of income...as a general rule. I won't get into the difference between a refund and a tax break...they aren't at all the same thing.

It's encouraging that you're interested in things like this as a student. My advice would be to not state things as "fact" that you haven't researched and/or proven for yourself. Don't trust what people tell you...verify and learn for yourself...and that applies to my post above as well.

badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Deductions and carveouts are not loopholes....


Feb 11, 2016, 8:12 PM

For the average tax payer, a little creative accounting and enough documentation you could maximize your tax refund or minimize your tax deductions. I don;t think there is much of an argument there. Some people simply pay mr johny in a home office to do their taxes when they are probably eligible for many more breaks than mr j found for them. I think these deductions and carveouts that you mention are not fair especially when I would bet that many americans miss them on their taxes. If you have a 6th grade education and have no clue about taxes you should not pay more than someone under the same circumstances just because they found an extra deduction or carveout. Taxes should not be so complicated that a person with an associates and a couple months from a bachelors degree has to pay someone else to do them. It's amazing to me I wasn't more into this subject earlier.

I'm usually pretty good with my research. Almost everything I bring up is from a academic, peer reviewed journal. Obviously I am no tax specialist, but I know a pile of horse S#!+ when I see one and the tax code is one.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: Deductions and carveouts are not loopholes....


Feb 11, 2016, 9:17 PM

The tax code is only complicated for the very wealthy. Most people don't itemize their taxes for a reason. They're not going to get why benefit from itemizing.

badge-donor-05yr.jpgmilitary_donation.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

"Smelley, Garcia, and Beecher are going to lead you to 4-8." - york_tiger


give me some examples of what you're talking about...


Feb 11, 2016, 9:53 PM [ in reply to Re: Deductions and carveouts are not loopholes.... ]

for someone with a 6th grade education...presumably making middle-class or lower wages and having a fitting lifestyle...what are all these deductions that only a high-end tax professional would know about. These days someone in this situation can likely use turbo-tax for free or at most a nominal fee.

I've been doing my own taxes for a long time and have a pretty good understanding of tax law for both personal and corporate entities. I'm far from an "expert", but certainly well-versed for a non-accountant...and I just do not agree with your assertion. I think it's largely a myth batted around these days (and likely in days past as well).

Now, please don't take the above comments as being in support of the current tax system. I don't like it either and am a proponent of either a flat tax or fair tax (consumption tax).

badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Maybe I just have been mislead


Feb 11, 2016, 10:12 PM

I just don't think taxes are that simple. I'm sure it is just a result of myths and misnomers. I don't intend to argue but it does seem that with 75,000 pages of federal tax law that there are more than a few exemptions and such that are missed from dirt poor to millionaire.

Never-the-less, my lack of knowledge in the current tax code is another reason tax reform is needed.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Flat sales tax and that's it***


Feb 11, 2016, 4:46 PM



2024 white level memberbadge-donor-15yr.jpgringofhonor-lakebum1-110.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I'm for a flat tax, and here's why


Feb 11, 2016, 5:07 PM

Fair tax taxes spending, which makes people less likely to spend. In order to create jobs, tax 10% of what everyone makes, and eliminate the payroll tax. That way businesses pay on their profits, and people pay 10% of what they make.

Also, I would have everyone pay a lump sum before April 15th so they actually had to see how much they pay their government. That would stop greedy politicians from increasing the rate. If you had to actually write a check for tens of thousands of dollars every year, you'd want your taxes as low as possible.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Good point


Feb 11, 2016, 5:11 PM

But I still don't see how an entire nation would cut back so drastically on spending that the tax fund would take that big of a hit. It may for a few months but, consumers consume and the idea that people would avoid the tax by going to cash under the table sales or trades is a minor blimp. This is something that happens every day and it would not increase that much.


However it seems the census is that a flat tax is what people are ok with. I'm fine with it, but I just don't see the concerns people have as a major reality.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

I wasn't speaking about a black market


Feb 11, 2016, 5:41 PM

I was talking about the fact that if a playstation costs me $330 instead of $300, I'm less likely to buy it. Whereas if you tax my wages 10%, it's not like I'll work less. I'll buy they playstation, which means jobs for the guy at the store, the store manager, the guy at the docks taking it off the boat, the truck driver, etc.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Re: I wasn't speaking about a black market


Feb 11, 2016, 5:46 PM

I get what you're saying. I just don't see that kind of stuff happening for long. Consumption is inelastic in reference to taxes. 99% of people don't drive from NC to SC to buy gas when its 20 cents cheaper per gallon. In theory you can say you won;t buy but in reality that won't last long. But given the fact that everyone has the same problem with fair taxes tells me it won't fly in a campaign. Which is unfortunate in my mind.

A simple progressive tax would be even better than a flat tax, al la Trump.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

That's very true


Feb 11, 2016, 6:02 PM

I think people are so fed up with the current system that fair tax people and flat tax people can agree that either would be better than what we have. I'd go with a fair tax plan any day of the week, I just prefer a flat tax.

That said, none of this will matter if spending continues to be out of control. You'll be looking at a flat or fair tax of closer to 20% than 10%, which would still be untenable.

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Thats why we need government reform


Feb 11, 2016, 6:17 PM

We cannot continue on this bureaucratic, systematic, government touches everything, approach to our country. I believe that the size and power of the government is positively correlated with tax payer burden among other things. Socialism is wonderful in theory my only question to those pro-socialism/communism, is why in the world are they building walls to keep communist citizens IN and why is it that there are so many Socialist and communist international students in my classes with no intentions of going back?

The writing is in front of you and yet my generation is soaking it up, probably because they are "educated" in general studies, music theory, english, and dance theory or literature. Give me a break. With those degrees how can you even argue about economic factors and public policies. That is about like me arguing with them about shakespeare or sammuel clemmons. It's idiotic and if I had it my way you would have to pass a test to vote. Weed out the emotional voters with no idea how the world even works

flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

My favorite is...


Feb 11, 2016, 8:59 PM

grease your butt before you bend over.

2024 orange level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpgringofhonor-clemsontiger1988-110.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

Reverse cowgirl***


Feb 11, 2016, 9:37 PM



badge-donor-05yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up

+1...***


Feb 11, 2016, 11:37 PM



2024 white level memberbadge-donor-10yr.jpg flag link military_tech thumb_downthumb_up


Replies: 82
| visibility 1
Archives - General Boards Archive
add New Topic