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stargal
Senior Member
since 2006-03-06
Posts 1352
OR USA

0 posted 2007-09-27 10:53 AM


My question is simple, why do we require underage young adults to pay taxes? I admit this question has been bugging me since I was 15 and got my first job, I am a very frugal person almost to a fault and I disliked having to give part of my money away to the government when I was saving for college.

Young adults can't see an R-rated movie until 17 without a parent or gaurdian, can't vote until 18 and are unable to drink until 21 yet there IS a law allowing them, if a certain amount of money is made, to pay taxes to the government. Yes, the arguement could be made that they also drive on our roads at 16, go to our schools, and have parks and the like built in their best interest but couldn't it also be said that they have parents? Many people are worried about the number of young adults going into debt these days and I'm not saying it would make a huge difference if they didn't have to pay taxes when/if their under the age of 18 but every little bit helps, doesn't it?

Stargal

PS-if I posted this in the wrong place I am sorry, I just wasn't sure.

"The rising morning can't insure that we shall end the day; For death stands ready at the door to snatch our lives away"
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© Copyright 2007 stargal - All Rights Reserved
Stephanos
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
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since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618
Statesboro, GA, USA
1 posted 2007-09-27 11:18 AM


Is this better suited for the Alley?

stargal
Senior Member
since 2006-03-06
Posts 1352
OR USA
2 posted 2007-09-27 11:37 AM


I really don't know, I know it's not really philosphy but I'm not sure what you would qualify this as.

"The rising morning can't insure that we shall end the day; For death stands ready at the door to snatch our lives away"
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Stephanos
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618
Statesboro, GA, USA
3 posted 2007-09-27 11:54 AM


It's more of a political critique or complaint ... That's what the Alley is all about.


Unless you want to make this thread focus on the ethics of certain policies.  

Stephen  


jbouder
Member Elite
since 1999-09-18
Posts 2534
Whole Sort Of Genl Mish Mash
4 posted 2007-09-27 03:49 PM


Taxes are the means by which the government funds services that directly or indirectly benefit us (e.g., roads, law enforcement, courts, etc.).  They also fund services to people who are down on their luck (e.g., those who lose their jobs or cannot afford health insurance for their families) or cannot help themselves (e.g., the disabled).

I understand how frustrating it can be to see how big a difference there is between your gross and net pay on your paystub.  I think it is fair for people to opine that there is too much government waste and that taxes are too high, but when it comes down to it, taxes buy us good things too and the "fruit" of taxation more often than not benefits the public at large.

Jim

stargal
Senior Member
since 2006-03-06
Posts 1352
OR USA
5 posted 2007-09-27 04:25 PM


Jbouder I agree of course, taxes are very necessary but my point is that where we should have to pay for the benifits to be reaped why should the young adults still in school and under parental supervision be under any obligation to pay them? The parents provide for their kids and in paying their taxes support the benifits the children recieve.

"The rising morning can't insure that we shall end the day; For death stands ready at the door to snatch our lives away"
              @-->---

Stephanos
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2000-07-31
Posts 3618
Statesboro, GA, USA
6 posted 2007-09-27 05:42 PM


Income taxes are taxes upon income.  If younger people are old enough to earn some amount of income for themselves, why should it be any different?  You've got a situation where the parents aren't totally supporting them anymore.  The taxes on lesser earnings (from a part time job or whatever) is going to be lesser.  So I see no problem with this.

Stephen.

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
7 posted 2007-09-27 10:10 PM


Not being young, I don't know what it is like today, but I remember being exempt from taxes or receiving them back when filing in April...if  under a certain age and still being in school.

And as far as going into debt goes, we did not and were not allowed to have credit cards when younger. We saved up and paid for those things we "wanted" that weren't necessities.

Now I can understand going into debt for college, since there are loans used that have to be repaid...but your education is to get you a higher paying job. And as for the many "other" things that young people spend their money on... well, if you can't pay for them, then you shouldn't go into debt for them if they aren't a necessity.

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