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Someone Created A Meme About How The Government Tax System Works And It’s Painfully Hilarious
Taxes have been a touchy subject throughout American history. After all, it is what led Americans to revolt against the British in 1773. Following the Revolutionary War, the American government had to be cautious when it came to direct taxation. In modern times, arguments over what should be taxed, how much each financial bracket is taxed, and how they are allocated remains a hot button topic.
Someone online created a series of hilarious memes to illustrate the argument of how the government can tax people to death, using an old fashioned painting and photoshop and some people are finding them hilariously relatable.
Governments impose taxes to meet the expenses needed to run various services provided to citizens. Rich countries like Saudi Arabia and Oman do not tax their citizens because the government has sufficient money to meet its expenses to run the country.
RELATED:
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The American Civil War was not only devastating, it was expensive and the nation wracked up massive debt. In order to help pay for the war, Congress passed the Revenue Act of 1861. The tax was levied on incomes exceeding $800 and was not rescinded until 1872. This act built most of the foundation for the modern U.S tax system and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) was founded.
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The Constitution forbade any direct taxes that were not levied in proportion to each state’s population. So in 1913, the 16th Amendment was introduced which paved the way to establish the first permanent U.S income tax by removing the proportional to population clause. It was then followed by an income tax on people with an annual income of over $3,000. This tax touched less than 1% of Americans. Four states rejected the amendment: Connecticut, Florida, Rhode Island, and Utah.
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Each state has its own tax laws and therefore depending on what state you visit, you might find there are certain items that are taxed differently. Alabama has a 10 cent tax on a deck of playing cards, blueberries from Maine are subject to a tax of 1.5 cents per pound sold, New York levies an 8 cent tax on each sliced or toasted bagels, and Texas charges a $5 per customer fee on each strip club pole.
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Marijuana laws are changing in many states, with Illinois being the latest state poised to sign a bill into law for recreational use. In many states, while the plant is still illegal, the tax collectors know that sales are still being made and therefore must be taxed. In illegal sale states, you have to buy tax stamps and affix it to the packaging – here are the instructions from the Kansas Department of Revenue’s drug tax stamp page. This is how they got Al Capone!
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There are over 7 million words in the tax law and regulations. That’s more words than the Gettysburg address, the Declaration of Independence, and the Holy Bible all put together (269+1,337+773k). There were 402 tax forms in 1990, there are now currently over 800 various forms and schedules.
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According to the UK’s Tax Avoidance Schemes Regulations 2006, “It is illegal not to tell the taxman anything you don’t want him to know, though you don’t have to tell him anything you don’t mind him knowing.” Try figuring out that riddle.
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Sure, Americans went to war over taxes but the French said, “Off with their heads, ” in protest. In 1789, at the start of the French Revolution, revolutionaries sent tax collectors to the guillotine! This is a prime example of ‘don’t shoot the messenger!’ The poor collectors were just trying to do their jobs.
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Not everyone agreed and pointed out why taxes are so necessary
What do you think ?
Mick Fowler 6 years ago
It would be nice to have safe bridges instead of military equipment that even the military doesn't want. Subsidies for school might be nice instead of subsidies for Exxon-Mobile. Medicare for all might reduce that pesky "worst maternal death rate in the developed world" thing. But I'm just a libbrill so and so...sorry, let's buy more bombs.
EagleOneoOne 6 years ago
Yew jus cain't callum bombs, boy - those are Freedom Bombs(TM)! Gurr'an-TEED to blast them kommrnists, libtards, demournkats, turr-ists and all enemies of 'murica to the skah! (sky) Up yonder, Gawd kin sort 'im out!
Load More Replies...
Hans 6 years ago
The problems aren't taxes. Independent of welfare or weak state, you need taxes, just trhe height can be discussed. The problem really is unfaireness. Typically, the hard-working middle class needs to pay a lot, while the upper class can (the irony!) afford to use evasive measures. And multinational companies paying almost zero taxes are a topic of its own. Interestingly, this is no leftiest moaning but the reality today. Panama papers? Google and Amazon tactics? Everything seems to be ignored as long as there are some states who earn well by keeping loopholes.
Steven Bacon 6 years ago
I think the essential point here is that although we know taxes are necessary, the manner in which they are handled is not. There is no need for so many tax brackets, no need to constantly vary and increase the brackets and amounts. That is just due to mismanagement and corruption of the people and bodies handling our taxes. Taxes should be simple, fixed and those handling them should be responsible and accountable. Misuse or waste should be punished severely.
Ohio Hands 6 years ago
YES. Flat tax for all! Taxes absolutely do not need to be so complicated.
Load More Replies...
Full Name 6 years ago
I love this. Truth be told, if they would spend our money very efficiently and intelligently, most people would be totally okay with their hand in our wallets.
CP 6 years ago
You are describing a dream world, not everyone agrees on what is efficient or intelligent.
Load More Replies...
DP von Icecream 6 years ago (edited)
I am just wondering what is the max tax applicable for wages, fuel, VAT(salestax) in your country? For the Netherlands: wages* maximum 51,75%, fuel approx. 46% (EXCL. VAT on Dutch fuel prices), VAT** is currently 21%. (*: this % is the maximum, different tax tarrifs apply to different yearly wages. ** 3 VAT types are applicable, 21% is standard, 9% for books + primary foods, 0% only for certain international transportation services&custom depots).
jknbt jknbt 6 years ago
the highest tax bracket in the US in 2019 is 37%. This is paid by corporations, doctors, lawyers, and successful business owners. They wrote the Fed tax laws to favor the rich, the old "golden rule". A smart tax attorney or accountant can strip as much as 15% off this rate in what is actually paid. They deduct everything. Then there are state taxes. Some states have income taxes, sales tax, and property tax. In Texas, they don't have an income tax, but they overcharge on sales tax and property tax to make up for it, so the net paid is about the same. Then there are fees on everything, such as car registration ($75/year and up).... There are fees on everything. Charities & churches do not pay property or income tax, so the latest trick is to overcharge for water utilities & usage fees ($$$ ouch!). Alaska does not have an income tax. The gov't. actually pays a rebate to citizens. The problem is that everything you buy is imported at high cost, so there is no advantage.
Load More Replies... Dippin Dot 6 years ago
“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” ~Benjamin Franklin
The Chopstick 6 years ago
Me: Makes money and a career through being a artist. Government: that isn’t allowed here, now give me your money.
Lana Belysheva 6 years ago
Welcome tax be like - oh, you bought a house! That would be 1% lump sum, thank you. Oh, you sold and bought one next door the following year? Great, that'd be another 1%. And so on infinitely. Or, buy a used car, and pay tax on purchase. Every time it is bought. The fact that taxes were already charged when it was first purchased new, obviously, doesn't matter...
Judy Petraroi 6 years ago
It’s funny because it’s true. Every interaction requires government permission and they generally take money from you when you complete a transaction. Taxation is theft. Government is just a gang of thieves writ large.
TheExtremeSmell 6 years ago
Paying the taxes is fine it’s what they’re spent on is another thing. Trying to help the poor and down trodden? Psssh America was founded on building a wall!
Viking Wihongi 6 years ago
Rolls snake eyes and lands on Board Walk, Pays. Rolls 3, lands on Income Tax The Government!
KT Trondsen 6 years ago
Well, I mean public services aren't free that money has to come from somewhere, although I had a good laugh at the pictures, especially the laser eyes!
Brandon Blu 6 years ago
Straight up. That’s tha mind of those conscious of their self service. Maxin at tha top. If the system or operation is headed by one in self service, his/her corporation or whatever it might be is structured as a pyramid. Tha degree of divide in pay for instance in society has been said to be mirrored like tha divide in pay at a university; from tha broken back janitor, to tha president luxed out. Jesus bucked tha romans in his service of others. I buck.. tha romans?
Sanchez Vasile 6 years ago
"A government not supported by taxes can't assure your vote". The ones who don't pay taxes are those who decide the vote, so they couldn't care less!
jknbt jknbt 6 years ago
and a further P.P.S. if you don't mind.... Bogus fiat money is like an addiction to cocaine or heroin... Once you start printing it, you can't stop. The Fed has the US mint print pallet loads of $100 bills every day with no silver backing. This has the net effect of diluting the money supply. This has the further net effect of reducing the buying power of your money by at least 3% each year. So don't leave a lot of money sitting in the bank. It loses some of its value every year due to fiat money printing.
jknbt jknbt 6 years ago
Lincoln paid for the civil war by printing bogus fiat money with no real silver or gold backing. They used green ink, hence dollar bills are sometimes called "greenbacks". They put a red triangle on the side. Do you remember dollar bills with red triangles on them? They replaced the civil war greenbacks with green paper money with red triangles to keep track of the bogus money. Someone pointed out what I am saying here and mentioning that the fiat money had never been replaced with real silver backed money. This became an embarrassment for the government, so they pulled in all US money with red triangles on it. The constitution plainly says that the money of the land shall be gold and silver. It doesn't say anything about green ink on cotton paper. Someday the whole house of bogus fiat cards they have built will collapse. It will make the depression of 1929-1933 look comically small by comparison. What a nightmare. Your future to look forward to, young people, sorry.
Andres Thomas 6 years ago
Investing in our country is patriotic. I started teaching 20 years ago. Today, my school has half the budget then when we started. I have more students and less books, pencils and paper. I have a second job fund raising for my class. By the way, please make a donation to my classroom at https://www.donorschoose.org/project/classroom-organizers/4135285/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=project&utm_term=teacher_1060023&rf=page-dc-2019-06-project-teacher_1060023&challengeid=202448
jknbt jknbt 6 years ago
and P.S....pls kindly put the blame where it belongs when this happens, regardless of who is in the White House. The Democrats under Wilson manipulated Congress to passing the Federal Reserve legislation in 1913. The Democrats under Johnson took away the silver backing for US money in 1966 to pay for the Vietnam war. So blame the Democrats... and yes, they have been helped by the Republicans since then (Nixon took us off the gold standard).
Full Name 6 years ago
F**k off. The "not everyone agrees" part is stupid because it's arguing a point nobody is making. NOBODY thinks there should be zero taxes, so cut it out.
TheExtremeSmell 6 years ago
I mean to be fair I’m sure some people do think they shouldn’t pay any taxes at all
Load More Replies...
MammaG 6 years ago
What country uses taxes to murder babies? We know the U.S. never has.
Load More Replies...
Pungent Sauce 6 years ago
You live in a Social Democracy right now. Would you rather be able to dial 911, or have to look up your Preferred Law Enforcement Provider website to see if the service you are considering is covered under your plan? Or just let the guy who broke into your house take whatever, because he probably won’t steal more than your deductible?
Load More Replies...
Mick Fowler 6 years ago
It would be nice to have safe bridges instead of military equipment that even the military doesn't want. Subsidies for school might be nice instead of subsidies for Exxon-Mobile. Medicare for all might reduce that pesky "worst maternal death rate in the developed world" thing. But I'm just a libbrill so and so...sorry, let's buy more bombs.
EagleOneoOne 6 years ago
Yew jus cain't callum bombs, boy - those are Freedom Bombs(TM)! Gurr'an-TEED to blast them kommrnists, libtards, demournkats, turr-ists and all enemies of 'murica to the skah! (sky) Up yonder, Gawd kin sort 'im out!
Load More Replies... Hans 6 years ago
The problems aren't taxes. Independent of welfare or weak state, you need taxes, just trhe height can be discussed. The problem really is unfaireness. Typically, the hard-working middle class needs to pay a lot, while the upper class can (the irony!) afford to use evasive measures. And multinational companies paying almost zero taxes are a topic of its own. Interestingly, this is no leftiest moaning but the reality today. Panama papers? Google and Amazon tactics? Everything seems to be ignored as long as there are some states who earn well by keeping loopholes.
Steven Bacon 6 years ago
I think the essential point here is that although we know taxes are necessary, the manner in which they are handled is not. There is no need for so many tax brackets, no need to constantly vary and increase the brackets and amounts. That is just due to mismanagement and corruption of the people and bodies handling our taxes. Taxes should be simple, fixed and those handling them should be responsible and accountable. Misuse or waste should be punished severely.
Ohio Hands 6 years ago
YES. Flat tax for all! Taxes absolutely do not need to be so complicated.
Load More Replies... Full Name 6 years ago
I love this. Truth be told, if they would spend our money very efficiently and intelligently, most people would be totally okay with their hand in our wallets.
CP 6 years ago
You are describing a dream world, not everyone agrees on what is efficient or intelligent.
Load More Replies... DP von Icecream 6 years ago (edited)
I am just wondering what is the max tax applicable for wages, fuel, VAT(salestax) in your country? For the Netherlands: wages* maximum 51,75%, fuel approx. 46% (EXCL. VAT on Dutch fuel prices), VAT** is currently 21%. (*: this % is the maximum, different tax tarrifs apply to different yearly wages. ** 3 VAT types are applicable, 21% is standard, 9% for books + primary foods, 0% only for certain international transportation services&custom depots).
jknbt jknbt 6 years ago
the highest tax bracket in the US in 2019 is 37%. This is paid by corporations, doctors, lawyers, and successful business owners. They wrote the Fed tax laws to favor the rich, the old "golden rule". A smart tax attorney or accountant can strip as much as 15% off this rate in what is actually paid. They deduct everything. Then there are state taxes. Some states have income taxes, sales tax, and property tax. In Texas, they don't have an income tax, but they overcharge on sales tax and property tax to make up for it, so the net paid is about the same. Then there are fees on everything, such as car registration ($75/year and up).... There are fees on everything. Charities & churches do not pay property or income tax, so the latest trick is to overcharge for water utilities & usage fees ($$$ ouch!). Alaska does not have an income tax. The gov't. actually pays a rebate to citizens. The problem is that everything you buy is imported at high cost, so there is no advantage.
Load More Replies... Dippin Dot 6 years ago
“Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” ~Benjamin Franklin
The Chopstick 6 years ago
Me: Makes money and a career through being a artist. Government: that isn’t allowed here, now give me your money.
Lana Belysheva 6 years ago
Welcome tax be like - oh, you bought a house! That would be 1% lump sum, thank you. Oh, you sold and bought one next door the following year? Great, that'd be another 1%. And so on infinitely. Or, buy a used car, and pay tax on purchase. Every time it is bought. The fact that taxes were already charged when it was first purchased new, obviously, doesn't matter...
Judy Petraroi 6 years ago
It’s funny because it’s true. Every interaction requires government permission and they generally take money from you when you complete a transaction. Taxation is theft. Government is just a gang of thieves writ large.
TheExtremeSmell 6 years ago
Paying the taxes is fine it’s what they’re spent on is another thing. Trying to help the poor and down trodden? Psssh America was founded on building a wall!
Viking Wihongi 6 years ago
Rolls snake eyes and lands on Board Walk, Pays. Rolls 3, lands on Income Tax The Government!
KT Trondsen 6 years ago
Well, I mean public services aren't free that money has to come from somewhere, although I had a good laugh at the pictures, especially the laser eyes!
Brandon Blu 6 years ago
Straight up. That’s tha mind of those conscious of their self service. Maxin at tha top. If the system or operation is headed by one in self service, his/her corporation or whatever it might be is structured as a pyramid. Tha degree of divide in pay for instance in society has been said to be mirrored like tha divide in pay at a university; from tha broken back janitor, to tha president luxed out. Jesus bucked tha romans in his service of others. I buck.. tha romans?
Sanchez Vasile 6 years ago
"A government not supported by taxes can't assure your vote". The ones who don't pay taxes are those who decide the vote, so they couldn't care less!
jknbt jknbt 6 years ago
and a further P.P.S. if you don't mind.... Bogus fiat money is like an addiction to cocaine or heroin... Once you start printing it, you can't stop. The Fed has the US mint print pallet loads of $100 bills every day with no silver backing. This has the net effect of diluting the money supply. This has the further net effect of reducing the buying power of your money by at least 3% each year. So don't leave a lot of money sitting in the bank. It loses some of its value every year due to fiat money printing.
jknbt jknbt 6 years ago
Lincoln paid for the civil war by printing bogus fiat money with no real silver or gold backing. They used green ink, hence dollar bills are sometimes called "greenbacks". They put a red triangle on the side. Do you remember dollar bills with red triangles on them? They replaced the civil war greenbacks with green paper money with red triangles to keep track of the bogus money. Someone pointed out what I am saying here and mentioning that the fiat money had never been replaced with real silver backed money. This became an embarrassment for the government, so they pulled in all US money with red triangles on it. The constitution plainly says that the money of the land shall be gold and silver. It doesn't say anything about green ink on cotton paper. Someday the whole house of bogus fiat cards they have built will collapse. It will make the depression of 1929-1933 look comically small by comparison. What a nightmare. Your future to look forward to, young people, sorry.
Andres Thomas 6 years ago
Investing in our country is patriotic. I started teaching 20 years ago. Today, my school has half the budget then when we started. I have more students and less books, pencils and paper. I have a second job fund raising for my class. By the way, please make a donation to my classroom at https://www.donorschoose.org/project/classroom-organizers/4135285/?utm_source=dc&utm_medium=page&utm_campaign=project&utm_term=teacher_1060023&rf=page-dc-2019-06-project-teacher_1060023&challengeid=202448
jknbt jknbt 6 years ago
and P.S....pls kindly put the blame where it belongs when this happens, regardless of who is in the White House. The Democrats under Wilson manipulated Congress to passing the Federal Reserve legislation in 1913. The Democrats under Johnson took away the silver backing for US money in 1966 to pay for the Vietnam war. So blame the Democrats... and yes, they have been helped by the Republicans since then (Nixon took us off the gold standard).
Full Name 6 years ago
F**k off. The "not everyone agrees" part is stupid because it's arguing a point nobody is making. NOBODY thinks there should be zero taxes, so cut it out.
TheExtremeSmell 6 years ago
I mean to be fair I’m sure some people do think they shouldn’t pay any taxes at all
Load More Replies... MammaG 6 years ago
What country uses taxes to murder babies? We know the U.S. never has.
Load More Replies... Pungent Sauce 6 years ago
You live in a Social Democracy right now. Would you rather be able to dial 911, or have to look up your Preferred Law Enforcement Provider website to see if the service you are considering is covered under your plan? Or just let the guy who broke into your house take whatever, because he probably won’t steal more than your deductible?
Load More Replies... You May Like 50 Hilarious Posts From This Account Dedicated To Sharing “Men’s Humor” (New Pics) 50 of the Best Memes of All Time That Are Icons of Internet Culture A Selection Of Probably The Craziest Florida Man Headlines
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