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I don't understand why the pain of filing is connected to the pain of spending money. If a politician raises taxes, and all it does is change the value of a an

I don't understand why the pain of filing is connected to the pain of spending money. If a politician raises taxes, and all it does is change the value of a annual withdrawal on your account, I think that pain would be the same, regardless of difficulty of filing. The pain is estimating and filing 4 times a year.

pwg 7y ago
Here in the US there are actually individuals who view their IRS tax refund check that they get back each year from filing their taxes as "getting free money from the government". They simply do not understand the fact that, no, that check is not "free government money" but is instead money that the government took, held onto for free all year, interest free, and then let you have back after you filed the proper forms. So the suggestions to have people cut checks to the government (quarterly, monthly, annually) is generally made from trying to overcome that viewpoint that too many folks view their tax return as some form of "gift" from the government, and instead get them to recognize just how much tax money is being consumed.
- abugheratwork 7y ago
  That sentiment makes sense to me. Investing in real schooling makes a lot more sense, though.
- pfranz 7y ago
  Conversely, on my property tax they itemize where the money goes. Presumably showing what I'm getting for my tax money. Or maybe just making me angry how much local schools cost if I don't have kids? (that was the vibe I got when living in FL) I appreciate transparency like that, but I hate other examples that add additional steps or paperwork to the process.
- gugagore 7y ago
  I am not denying your experience, but I am from the US and this is not my experience at all. It's called a "refund". Which individuals? How do you know these people? Also I don't agree with your perspective on tax withholding. If you don't want your employer to withhold taxes, I think they have to stop withholding taxes. It's a convenient default, in my opinion.

pwg 7y ago

Here in the US there are actually individuals who view their IRS tax refund check that they get back each year from filing their taxes as "getting free money from the government". They simply do not understand the fact that, no, that check is not "free government money" but is instead money that the government took, held onto for free all year, interest free, and then let you have back after you filed the proper forms. So the suggestions to have people cut checks to the government (quarterly, monthly, annually) is generally made from trying to overcome that viewpoint that too many folks view their tax return as some form of "gift" from the government, and instead get them to recognize just how much tax money is being consumed.

abugheratwork 7y ago
That sentiment makes sense to me. Investing in real schooling makes a lot more sense, though.
pfranz 7y ago
Conversely, on my property tax they itemize where the money goes. Presumably showing what I'm getting for my tax money. Or maybe just making me angry how much local schools cost if I don't have kids? (that was the vibe I got when living in FL) I appreciate transparency like that, but I hate other examples that add additional steps or paperwork to the process.
gugagore 7y ago
I am not denying your experience, but I am from the US and this is not my experience at all. It's called a "refund". Which individuals? How do you know these people? Also I don't agree with your perspective on tax withholding. If you don't want your employer to withhold taxes, I think they have to stop withholding taxes. It's a convenient default, in my opinion.