Mormon Mentality - Thoughts and Asides by Peculiar People

By Devyn S.

Apr. 17th, 2010 at 9:20 pm

I finished my taxes as usual – late on the 14th or I should say early on the morning of the 15th. I felt like I was back at the BYU Testing Center when it was time to hit “file”. I had that uncertain feeling in my gut that I had somehow, somewhere made an error. It felt like I was back at BYU in the Testing Center – tired from staying up late cramming for the exam, then stumbling in there to take the exam, then hopefully submitting the test and then the hopeful waiting… I am now in the hopeful waiting stage on my taxes and still recovering from staying up too late. So happy late tax day!

6 Comments

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1. annegb

Sun, Apr 18, 2010 @ 10:35am

We’re hoping we don’t hear from the IRS–dunning us for more.

2. Devyn S.

Sun, Apr 18, 2010 @ 3:17pm

I heard on NPR that something like 50% of people don’t pay a dime in taxes. The rest of us pony up for those who don’t

3. scw

Sun, Apr 18, 2010 @ 6:27pm

Most of the people who don’t pay taxes either don’t have enough income or have too many credits and deductions (like child credits, big Mormon families; or live on Social Security)to pay. For example, if you are single and made less than $8000, you do not have to file. A family of four (two children, no child care expenses) would need an adjusted gross income of $38,133 before owing any income tax. It doesn’t take too much of a stretch to see 40% of Americans not paying any income tax.
If they have income, they still are paying FICA and medicare tax every paycheck. Plus, they still pay state taxes, depending on where they live. So no one is getting a “free ride”. If you are under those income levels, I feel sorry for you. Personally, I am happy that my income is such that I pay taxes.

4. annegb

Sun, Apr 18, 2010 @ 11:06pm

Good point.

5. well

Mon, Apr 19, 2010 @ 4:16pm

scw – 2 kids, married, made 60k last year and I paid 0 federal income taxes. Thanks for supporting me. I’ve got no problem canceling all the deductions, credits, etc. and just requiring us all to pay 12.5% or whatever the flat tax people are calling for. I may be worse off, but if we’re all in it together I think it’s better for the nation.

For now, I’m going to follow the rules and pay nothing in fed. income tax if you’re happy to let me.

6. twiceuponatime

Mon, Apr 19, 2010 @ 11:23pm

Paying nothing? That’s nothing. Back when I was married, we used to get money back that we never paid in taxes. Several thousand dollars, in fact. Yes, those of you paying did subsidize me.

I suppose I should feel bad about that and all, but I really can’t bring myself to do so.

Of course, now I pay taxes, so I guess I’m paying all that back. Or something.