Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Income Taxes - Not Always Appetizing



It's that time of year here in the US. The deadline for filing and paying income taxes is a week from today. Did you know that we are considered the only country that has voluntary income tax? I didn't, either. But, that's what we were told during training when I started working for the IRS in 1983.


Since I don't really know how taxation works in other countries, I can only assume that they mean that they leave the ultimate declaration of income received to us, the taxpayers. Yet, if we don't make that declaration, two years down the road they will run reports showing who received income compared to who reported income. At that point, it will no longer be voluntary. So, even though I enjoyed my years with that organization, I'm still at a loss how mandatory taxation is voluntary.


But, I'm actually working with a tax preparation company this year. I'm enjoying it, although some aspects of the more complicated returns can be extremely confusing. It's a challenge. The simple returns are fun to do because they're quick, but those long form returns - wow! There's so many twists and turns that are just so easy to miss. I can definitely understand the appeal of a flat tax.


So, this post is a food-free post, I'm afraid. Besides, isn't the mere idea of doing your taxes enough to lose your appetite??

9 comments:

  1. Taxes would make me lose mine!! LOL

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com

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  2. I actually hissed when I saw the title of your post! :)

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  3. Taxes are ridiculously complicated and it's so unnecessary. A flat tax not only makes sense, but would save us so much money individually AND as a country. I'd bet the % could be as low as 8% and the IRS would still be miles ahead. I would love to see this happen. The taxes would have to be paid as the income was recieved and guess what? We wouldn't have to file an annual return. A monthly statement would be sent in along with the check due. Everyone! It would soon be as as routine as paying your mortgage or your utility bill.
    I feel better now...♥ to u and the IRS.

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  4. I guess I lucked out that my husband got his degree in Accounting, so I have never had to deal with our income taxes...sorry, guys! I imagine it can be tedious and sometimes frustrating.

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  5. In the UK our incolme is taxed at source so only people who are self-employed have to file a tax return.

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