Taxes

[Ishmael]

Just what is fair?

The ancient Egyptians paid 10%, the serfs of the Feudal period paid 20%.

What, in your opinion, is an equitable tax code?

Ishmael

 

[dirtycarol]

An even and fair national sales tax. Do away with income tax all together.

 

[Ishmael]

An even and fair national sales tax. Do away with income tax all together.

Dirty girl.

Ishmael

 

[dirtycarol]

On second thought, a national sales tax may speed the way to a cashless society. I really don't want that, however it would, (in theory) insure the more wealthy would pay a larger share of taxes and the lower income people would pay less based on what they buy.

 

[Ishmael]

On second thought, a national sales tax may speed the way to a cashless society. I really don't want that, however it would, (in theory) insure the more wealthy would pay a larger share of taxes and the lower income people would pay less based on what they buy.

First of all I agree with your premise, but the wealthy will NOT pay the bulk of the taxes under a consumption tax, the middle class will.

However, the middle class have always paid the bulk of the taxes. Not in the form of income taxes, but in the form of the myriad of 'use' and excise taxes. This has always been true and is just a matter of numbers.

For example, I just received notification that my Regulatory, Compliance and Intellectual Property (RC&IP) Fee for internet service and phone service will increase from $1.99 to $2.99 as of Oct. Well, so what? It's only a buck. Then again it represents a 50% increase in fees for no increase in service. Now, I, and most of you, are going to get hit twice if your internet is separate from your phone. And although this is only a buck or two to you and I, consider the numbers of households that are effected? Further consider that those of you that are not running a biz out of your home are going to eat the whole tax. Those that can differ the tax to a biz., will, and do, take the write down. Such is the nature of things under the existing tax code.

Ishmael

 

[Liar]

Fairness only come in play when we talk about Fred's taxes versus Bob's.

What average tax level is appropriate? Enough to pay for the stuff that the people, via the democratic process, have collectively decided the government shall do.

(Ideally. I think we're all cynical enough to see where that doesn't match the real world.)

 

[Ishmael]

Fairness only come in play when we talk about Fred's taxes versus Bob's.

What average tax level is appropriate? Enough to pay for the stuff that the people, via the democratic process, have collectively decided the government shall do.

(Ideally. I think we're all cynical enough to see where that doesn't match the real world.)

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch.

Ishmael

 

[dirtycarol]

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what's for lunch.

Ishmael

That's why the lamb needs to be well armed! (according to Mr. Franklin)

 

[Ishmael]

That's why the lamb needs to be well armed! (according to Mr. Franklin)

Smart dirty girl.

Ishmael

 

[fuckwaffle]

First of all I agree with your premise, but the wealthy will NOT pay the bulk of the taxes under a consumption tax, the middle class will.

However, the middle class have always paid the bulk of the taxes. Not in the form of income taxes, but in the form of the myriad of 'use' and excise taxes. This has always been true and is just a matter of numbers.

For example, I just received notification that my Regulatory, Compliance and Intellectual Property (RC&IP) Fee for internet service and phone service will increase from $1.99 to $2.99 as of Oct. Well, so what? It's only a buck. Then again it represents a 50% increase in fees for no increase in service. Now, I, and most of you, are going to get hit twice if your internet is separate from your phone. And although this is only a buck or two to you and I, consider the numbers of households that are effected? Further consider that those of you that are not running a biz out of your home are going to eat the whole tax. Those that can differ the tax to a biz., will, and do, take the write down. Such is the nature of things under the existing tax code.

Ishmael

Unless the Middle Class wakes up and started purchasing used goods. Not food of course, but used cars, used appliances, etc.

Then there is all that tourist money. And the illegal trade goods money. Those who work in a strictly cash business, who do not pay income taxes, will pay a sales on goods purchased.

How many billions of dollars is the drug trade making and not paying taxes?

How much do they spend for things? Houses, cars, luxury items... yachts, planes, etc.

And every foreign visitor who spends money in the US, now make a contribution to your Social Security account and Medicare account.

 

[RobDownSouth]

1982 Reagan-era progressive rates.

If it was good enough for teh Gipper, it should be good enough for you.

Unless you hate teh Gipper, of course.

 

[Sean Renaud]

Just what is fair?

The ancient Egyptians paid 10%, the serfs of the Feudal period paid 20%.

What, in your opinion, is an equitable tax code?

Ishmael

Complicated question. None of the ancient examples are at all relevant. You were pretty much on your own against raiders back in the days of Egypt and the Feudal Period and I don't think anybody came to remove the bear from your pond either.

You want a progressive tax code for starters. Rates are up to debate. What do we want and what are our goals as a nation?

 

[LiFeNdEaTh]

ask wesley snipes lol

 

[Adre]

The Journal reported today that so far 33,000 people have fessed up to having secret foreign bank accounts, mostly Swiss. If everyone actually paid their taxes, I would think the rate could be fairly low. I'm thinking about 15% flat tax, no deductions or loopholes. Of course every special interest group will go batshit, but if they all do you know you just did something good and right.

And as Renaud just said, it depends on what we want. You want a lot of wars, then pay more. I would settle for good roads, schools, military, oversight on food, drugs and financial products. And a few other goodies.

 

[VaticanAssassin]

The Journal reported today that so far 33,000 people have fessed up to having secret foreign bank accounts, mostly Swiss. If everyone actually paid their taxes, I would think the rate could be fairly low. I'm thinking about 15% flat tax, no deductions or loopholes. Of course every special interest group will go batshit, but if they all do you know you just did something good and right.

And as Renaud just said, it depends on what we want. You want a lot of wars, then pay more. I would settle for good roads, schools, military, oversight on food, drugs and financial products. And a few other goodies.

A flat tax is the obvious solution that will never be implemented....

I will have to think on it more, but a built in increase to said rate whenever the president or congress deployed troops in combat operations could be an interesting idea......

The politicians would be dam sure the public was behind it before risking troops and would use every means available to make sure it was over quickly....

 

[RobDownSouth]

teh Journal reported today that so far 33,000 people have fessed up to having secret foreign bank accounts, mostly Swiss. If everyone actually paid their taxes, I would think teh rate could be fairly low. I'm thinking about 15% flat tax, no deductions or loopholes. Of course every special interest group will go batshit, but if they all do you know you just did something good and right.

And as Renaud just said, it depends on what we want. You want a lot of wars, then pay more. I would settle for good roads, schools, military, oversight on food, drugs and financial products. And a few other goodies.

There was a one-time only no-penalty tax amnesty in 2009 for people who declared their Swiss accounts.

This is why Romney will only release his 2010 and 2011 returns.

 

[fuckwaffle]

There was a one-time only no-penalty tax amnesty in 2009 for people who declared their Swiss accounts.

This is why Romney will only release his 2010 and 2011 returns.

So now your Romney's financial adviser?

 

[VaticanAssassin]

FYI.. 33k people is not a very significant of a number. It is like saying all the people that work at Conoco Phillips

 

[fuckwaffle]

FYI.. 33k people is not a very significant of a number. It is like saying all the people that work at Conoco Phillips

Yeah, well to some people, if one person has more than they do, they must be crooks.

 

[Liar]

A flat tax is the obvious solution that will never be implemented....

I will have to think on it more, but a built in increase to said rate whenever the president or congress deployed troops in combat operations could be an interesting idea......

The politicians would be dam sure the public was behind it before risking troops and would use every means available to make sure it was over quickly....

I just finished reading Rachel Maddow's book. It's about exactly this.

You have more in common with that libby lib libster than you might think.

 

[Sean Renaud]

A flat tax is the obvious solution that will never be implemented....

I will have to think on it more, but a built in increase to said rate whenever the president or congress deployed troops in combat operations could be an interesting idea......

The politicians would be dam sure the public was behind it before risking troops and would use every means available to make sure it was over quickly....

A flat tax is devastating to the poor. Assuming you don't just turn around and give them federal assistance worth 10% of their income which. . .might not be crazy.

There was a one-time only no-penalty tax amnesty in 2009 for people who declared their Swiss accounts.

This is why Romney will only release his 2010 and 2011 returns.

Tell me you're lying, that can't be what it is.

 

[VaticanAssassin]

I just finished reading Rachel Maddow's book. It's about exactly this.

You have more in common with that libby lib libster than you might think.

I am also anti religion, pro gay marriage, and pro choice......

But so you do not get confused, by all means available, I meant nuke the fuckers!!!