Comments on: Observations from my tax returns http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/ Proverbs 13:11 - "...he who gathers money little by little makes it grow." Wed, 08 Feb 2012 18:29:01 +0000 hourly 1 By: Ginahttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15818 Gina Mon, 22 Feb 2010 20:53:46 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15818 Great article! I might do this w/my taxes - I have also used TT since 2001 (we got married in 2000). The social security statement I get has a chart similar in it - showing the taxable income over the years. And you are SO RIGHT about going into the red w/o knowing it b/c you are using credit cards. I promised myself that I wouldn't be one of those ppl that spend more as I make more but it happened. Luckily I am smarter now (thanks to this blog) and have more self control, as well as a goal to "change my family tree". Great article! I might do this w/my taxes – I have also used TT since 2001 (we got married in 2000). The social security statement I get has a chart similar in it – showing the taxable income over the years.

And you are SO RIGHT about going into the red w/o knowing it b/c you are using credit cards. I promised myself that I wouldn’t be one of those ppl that spend more as I make more but it happened. Luckily I am smarter now (thanks to this blog) and have more self control, as well as a goal to “change my family tree”.

]]> By: Stewhttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15661 Stew Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:07:33 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15661 Steven, it is definitely "pie in the sky". My worst fears is that our current paradigm is unsustainable and we will eventually descend into a situation where we have a tax revolt (non-violent) that will cause the whole system to come crashing down . . . after that, who knows? Steven, it is definitely “pie in the sky”. My worst fears is that our current paradigm is unsustainable and we will eventually descend into a situation where we have a tax revolt (non-violent) that will cause the whole system to come crashing down . . . after that, who knows?

]]> By: Stevenhttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15660 Steven Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:24:22 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15660 The problem is, the current IRS tax structure allows politicians to wield so much power that even if the people overwhelmingly want the fair/flat tax, the pols will never enact it. Here in MA the people had a referendum a few years ago to lower the sales tax from 5.5% to 5%. Passed with a large majority, but the state legislature simply ignored it. Flat out. Now last year they raised the sales tax to 6.25%, and opened the door to let localities tack on their own sales tax. Some places it is over 7%. So unfortunately, I don't see it happening... The problem is, the current IRS tax structure allows politicians to wield so much power that even if the people overwhelmingly want the fair/flat tax, the pols will never enact it.

Here in MA the people had a referendum a few years ago to lower the sales tax from 5.5% to 5%. Passed with a large majority, but the state legislature simply ignored it. Flat out. Now last year they raised the sales tax to 6.25%, and opened the door to let localities tack on their own sales tax. Some places it is over 7%.

So unfortunately, I don’t see it happening…

]]> By: Dhttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15655 D Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:29:10 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15655 Here Here! I am so for a flat tax! I was a huge fan of Huckabees idea of getting rid of the IRS all together and everyone pays a flat tax. It would be the fairest system. Here Here! I am so for a flat tax! I was a huge fan of Huckabees idea of getting rid of the IRS all together and everyone pays a flat tax. It would be the fairest system.

]]> By: Stewhttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15654 Stew Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:28:41 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15654 Family Finance, we had a pretty bad year. :) Most years, we simply take the standard deduction, but 2008, we had more than enough to itemize. However, that number does seem a little funny to me . . . I might check over that again. Infinion, I would gladly send you a check if the richer employers and investors did not have to pay the money in to the government in the first place, if that happens, I am sure to see my income increase a lot. The rich employ us, pay our taxes and purchase our products. Family Finance, we had a pretty bad year. :) Most years, we simply take the standard deduction, but 2008, we had more than enough to itemize. However, that number does seem a little funny to me . . . I might check over that again.

Infinion, I would gladly send you a check if the richer employers and investors did not have to pay the money in to the government in the first place, if that happens, I am sure to see my income increase a lot. The rich employ us, pay our taxes and purchase our products.

]]> By: Family Financehttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15653 Family Finance Wed, 17 Feb 2010 18:24:33 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15653 Hey Stew, I'm not quite sure I understand the percentages in "Amount of Refund" category but that's insane that you had ZERO taxable income for 2008. Hope all is well in the family... Love the articles, keep them coming. Family Finance Hey Stew,

I’m not quite sure I understand the percentages in “Amount of Refund” category but that’s insane that you had ZERO taxable income for 2008. Hope all is well in the family…

Love the articles, keep them coming.

Family Finance

]]> By: castocreationshttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15650 castocreations Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:33:18 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15650 At least you recognize the rigged system. :) I'd much prefer a flat tax. Everyone should have some investment in the system. At least you recognize the rigged system. :) I’d much prefer a flat tax. Everyone should have some investment in the system.

]]> By: Infinionhttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15647 Infinion Wed, 17 Feb 2010 17:07:28 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15647 (In Jest) If you really don't want my tax dollars, I'd be glad to take them back. I'll take a personal check if that helps. (In Jest) If you really don’t want my tax dollars, I’d be glad to take them back. I’ll take a personal check if that helps.

]]> By: Stevenhttp://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/2010/02/observations-from-my-tax-returns/#comment-15638 Steven Wed, 17 Feb 2010 15:50:27 +0000 http://www.gatherlittlebylittle.com/?p=2823#comment-15638 Thank you for your comments in support of a "flat tax" (or as I prefer, http://www.fairtax.org ). Usually folks who end up on the "winning" end of our progressive tax system are those who are against changing it. And with over half of the American people paying no taxes, it's a hard thing to change. I enjoy your blog - keep up the good work! -- Steven Thank you for your comments in support of a “flat tax” (or as I prefer, http://www.fairtax.org ). Usually folks who end up on the “winning” end of our progressive tax system are those who are against changing it. And with over half of the American people paying no taxes, it’s a hard thing to change.

I enjoy your blog – keep up the good work!

– Steven

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