Bad tax policy
Alas, the W-2s and Form 1099s have been mailed, and we get to endure tax refund advertising until May. Yay.
But there is a burgeoning population of twentysomethings who are $0-withholding taxpayers as 1099 contractors, or $0 federal income tax withheld seasonal W-2 job-hoppers. And they owe taxes. And boy do they owe: FICA, Medicare and federal and state taxes.
They’re the ski instructors, many delivery truck drivers and phone book throwers. Even many hospitality and food service workers are now contractors.
No taxes withheld, and too broke to pay attention. Ode to joy for the Internal Revenue Service. Only those with children have any hope of a tax refund through an earned income credit or a child care tax credit, which are handouts.
Gee, I wonder why 47 percent of the country pays no income taxes. How is any of this contract help or zero-taxes-withheld thinking good for the U.S. budget deficit? Or worse, how is pay-the-destitute-to-have-kids thinking good for anyone? Or our future jail populations?
Mike Reno
Post Falls