The U.S. Tax Code

[traderx]

Well, here I am, as usual, collecting all my tax stuff to give to my accountant. This year, as last, will be simpler than previous years. As my screen name vaguely implies, I am a stock trader. I had to stop trading a couple of years ago due to a major health setback so at least my taxes are simpler...

If only I could say the same about the U.S. Tax Code...

War and Peace contains 560,000 words.

The Bible, both testaments, has 780,000 words.

Title 26 of the U.S. Code better known as the Internal Revenue Service Code contains 3.5 million words! It is more than six times the length of Tolstoy's novel and more than four times the size of the Bible!

The Table of Contents alone is 76 pages...

Regardless of your political persuasion, does this strike anyone else as absurd? Overkill? It was written by the Congress. Is anyone proud of the Congress for rendering this code? Why do we tolerate such an imposition by the very people we elect?

 

[chrisv]

The tax code is what keeps politicians in control.

I have always had to send in a check with my return to meet my tax obligation, I prefer to retain control over my money. But 2007 was a very lean year over here. Just finished my return over the weekend, and I was flabbergasted when I saw that I will not only receive back every cent paid, I will also get a few dollars more. I thought, for several hours, that I had made a mistake. And this does not include the upcoming 'rebate'. Insane.

This is why we tolerate the "imposition by the very people we elect," most people pay no taxes. Add me to that list for 2007.

Two words: Fair Tax. Make April 15th just another day.

 

[Linda]

We spent all of last weekend getting our taxes ready. I agree 100% - the tax code is ridiculous but I don't have a clue what to do about it other than vote for the presidential candidate that I feel wants to take less of my money in the first place.

 

[JustaLocal]

I don't work very much so I don't make very much. This is by choice. But when I did my taxes, I find I'm getting everything I paid in back. I think that's one problem with the tax code - people who could work but choose not to are rewarded.

I guess I'm not principled enough though. I'm going to accept the refund.

 

[Linda]

I don't work very much so I don't make very much. This is by choice. But when I did my taxes, I find I'm getting everything I paid in back. I think that's one problem with the tax code - people who could work but choose not to are rewarded.

I guess I'm not principled enough though. I'm going to accept the refund.

well - you are honest and that is a principle I value. I would take it too if I were you