Income Taxes

It's frightening that we are letting the same people who design our income tax return forms control so much of the rest of our lives.

Take this and add that, then subtract that so you back to what you originally had.  It doesn't matter which forms, the federal or the state or the local.  Why does Flint need to know anything about the income I make outside of the city?  For that matter, why does it need to know what my wife has earned?  Add in the amount, then subtract other amounts.  Why not just include me, the one who made the money in Flint, and the amount I made there?

I note, too, that the state has eliminated contributions to local governments, schools, etc. as charitable credits.  I wonder if the locals are feeling the pinch.

Seriously, why do the tax booklets have to be so very long?  I remember a number of years the WSJ had reporters with the exact same tax questions call the IRS Hotlines in different areas.  The reporters received different answers almost all of the time.  That gibes/jibes with an experience I had.  I called the IRS Hotline and, after a lengthy wait on hold, asked my question.  The IRS agent (?) replied, "I can't tell you that."  "What?  That's why I called you."  Apparently I had to make the determination myself, but if my determination wasn't right, I could be called on it/audited.  "But that's why I'm calling you now!"  I still received no answer and, in fact, received not even a hint or push in the right direction.

I am getting a $6 return from one of the levels.  I have tried, more than once, to just have the money kept.  In a note, I wrote, "Just keep the $6.  I don't need it and you will also save on the postage and paper work."  Nope, both times I still received a refund check.  So, they'll legally steal our money, but won't take it if we voluntarily offer it?

I'll wrap up all of the taxes tomorrow, if the Codester co-operates.