<BEGIN RANT>
Since I just filed and for the 4th year in a row have to pay in (and I'm still paying
03 and 04) I'm going to blow off some steam.
EICs:
Get real, when you get a tax credit that results in you getting back more than you paid in, it's UNEARNED INCOME (read welfare). People with chidren place more of a burden on government programs than people without children, yet are expected to pay for the programs people with children use? Every time I turn around, I'm getting nailed for a fee or local option tax to pay for schools I don't use, and I hear the people who do use them whining about tuition and other fees they have to pay.
Interest Deductions:
Ludicrous. I rent a house, my rent pays all my landlords expenses. Mortage, interest and property taxes, not to mention maintenance. I have no less expenses in renting than someone buying a home, and my renters insurance is more than a home owners policy would cost me on the same on the same property. The only difference is I don't get the benefit of equity and appreciation. Why in hell should a home owner be allowed a deduction for interest on their mortage without a corresponding, in kind deduction for non-owners?
Business Deductions:
OK, many are legit. many are not. My landlord drives a (extremely gawdy looking) Escalade, loves to tell me how he got to write it off in one year as a business expense, and the tax code that allowed him to do it is supposed to be for companies writing off legitimate business vehicles, not for some fat cat to drive around in a "look at me ain't I grand" POS. I HAVE to have a vehicle to get to work and back and other required aspects of living, but I'm not allowed to write off anything on my rather humble vehicle.
Conclusion:
I see people STRUGGLING everyday trying to get by, they aren't living in mansions, they aren't driving status symbols, they're just trying to earn a living and do their best. If anyone on the planet needs a break it's them. Instead they end up paying for things that other people get the benefit of.
With the exception of the EIC, most deductions and credits are aimed at people who aren't poor, but seem to have no problems making the guy who mows their lawn or cleans their office pay an 8% sales tax just so their snotty little kids can have a new swimming pool at a school where the working poor can't go to because they can't afford to live in the district they're forced to pay for.
I got in an argument once with an idiot complaining about paying too much in taxes and blaming it on the poor and the welfare they receive. He makes about twice as much as I do, but the bottom line was, he actually paid less than I did if you think of it in terms of a percentage of our gross income. If he's burdened by those taxes, what about the people who have to make up for the tax welfare he receives?
</END OF RANT>
Now I'm going to get flamed like a ball park frank .....
