I know that Tax Day this year falls on April 18th, but I usually write about taxes on April 15th, and I am on record saying I don't mind paying my taxes. I recognize the fact that I have a responsibility to pay for the services I use, and I have to note that the people who complain most loudly about taxes tend to benefit from tax dollars. I pay federal income tax, state income tax, and city income tax, and I derive benefits from all of these levels of government... I drive to work on decent roads, I buy untainted groceries at the local store, and I have a great county library system and parks system.
New York State actually gives its taxpayers the opportunity to pay additional monies, earmarked for specific purposes, into its coffers. I voluntarily contribute to funds for wildlife, cancer research, and outreach for homeless veterans. I'm not a saint, I'm a citizen, I recognize my obligations to my less fortunate neighbors.
Last week, I joked about procrastinating with regard to my tax preparation, but I actually enjoy sitting down and crunching the numbers, and I don't experience a pang when I write out the checks. I like being a member of this club I call America, so I value living up to my obligations by paying the dues.
I saw Arthur Laffer on CNBC this morning with Ted Cruz.
ReplyDeleteBoth were selling the "tax cuts for rich people raise tax revenues" snake oil.
Then Ted Cruz followed up with a screed about how global warming was a hoax to get the government in control of the economy. This went unchallenged by wingnut hairdo/host Joe Kernen, of course.
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Texas doesn't have a state income tax - we sock it to the poor with high sales tax instead - but I never complain about my income tax rate. I also don't believe that it would be more fair if it were all simple enough to fit on the back of an index card.
ReplyDeleteThere's that Oliver Wendell Holmes quote that goes something like, "Taxes are the price we pay for civilization."
Both were selling the "tax cuts for rich people raise tax revenues" snake oil.
ReplyDeleteThe Panama Papers kinda puts a lie to the whole 'trickle-down' nonsense.
Texas doesn't have a state income tax - we sock it to the poor with high sales tax instead - but I never complain about my income tax rate. I also don't believe that it would be more fair if it were all simple enough to fit on the back of an index card.
That's so regressive. I know Kansas is trying to make up for its budget shortfalls by raising sales taxes on cigarettes. Every time I hear about flat taxes or national sales taxes, I start yelling at the radio.