why are our tax dollars being spent in stupid ways?

Question

we the people are paying high amount s of taxes and for what the governmet really does nothing for us they spend it on foriegn projects when we have peolpe that need it here in the united states schools and the poor and the underpriveleged my husband makes a ver good living but if you only new that about half of it goes to taxes and we see no improvment where it needs it

Answer 1

Why are you asking Australians? We already know how stupid your government is and have our own sycophantic and deceptive government to work out what to do with :) That's OK - maybe you want Aussie opinions. But yes - It's absolutely criminal how deprived the public services are and how low the minimum wages are in the USA which is supposed to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world.



If a society doesn't help its underprivileged the entire society pays for it in the long term. We pay taxes for the privilege of living in a civilized society and expect our taxes to be properly spent on keeping our society civilized and safe for all to live in . If you can't see the results of decent spending on health, policing, protecting worker's rights, education, rehab centres, infrastructure, etc, then it is probably being ignored so you're quite right. Someone who votes for Bush has little credibility in my eyes if they complain when they're robbed.



I agree - it is a total disgrace how much your government is spending on the supposed war on terror and your citizens are so hoodwinked. Most people in the world can see it.



I'm almost too afraid to see the movie Sicko - imagining what would happen here when we lose our public health system (which our current government is intent on). Good luck in your next election and if the Democrats win I truly hope for your country that they walk what they talk.

Answer 2

As an American, I'll answer your specific tax question. The political portions will take up too much space here. But I do agree with you that the US government FAILS to provide enough funds for our nation's social needs (e.g., legitimate medical care for the poor, AIDS children, jobless who need job/skills training, etc.).



Now your taxes. Your husband makes a good living and about 50% goes to taxes. This is not really accurate is it? The US top tax rate for individuals is only 38% (or 38.5%).

I presume you don't work. Why not??



Do each of you have traditional IRAs? If so, that is an $8K tax deduction for both (or $4K for just him). Does he have a 401K? If so, then he can exclude up to $15,500 from his taxable wages.



Do you donate money, items or time to charity (i.e., churches, Salvation Army, soup kitchens, etc.)? Those are tax deductible. Are either of you taking classes at university? That's a tax credit. Are you itemizing on Schedule A? If so you can deduct medical/dental expenses if they exceed 2% of your AGI.



Also, how many people does he claim on his W-4? The more people he claims, the less tax he'll pay throughout the year. Come tax time, if he did his W-4 calculation correctly, you may receive a smaller tax refund or pay a small tax bill. I set up my taxes to withhold just enough, and at tax time, I either get a refund of about $100 or I pay about $100.



I'd rather have my money throughout the year for me to use vs getting a large tax refund. Why?? Because when you overpay taxes throughout the year and then get a huge tax refund, it's not a bonus. It's your money that you LENT to Uncle Sam; he's returning it with zero interest and no thank you note. For me to pay a $100 tax bill is peanuts in the larger scheme of things.



Whatever you do, please ensure you read the IRS Tax Pub 17; use the 2006 edition to give you a good foundation for working on your 2007 taxes (filing due on April 15, 2008).



So, both of you should scrutinize his paycheck, take advantage of those legitimate deductions and tax credits, adjust his W-4, and vote smarter in the upcoming elections.

Answer 3

I so agree with you. Our tax dollars need to be spent here helping our own country. There are so many things in our country that need improvements and people that need help. Stupidity in government is the reason.

Answer 4

stupid is as stupid does