I’ve been robbed!!!
All throughout last year, in a systematical way, I’ve been ripped.
Just like the year before, and the year before that and so on.
As you probably guessed by now I’ve just finished submitting my income tax info of 2005.
The moment I have everything ready to be submitted I usually perform a calculation to know how much will I have to pay. Once again instead of paying I will receive a tax refund, once again the said tax refund is rather high.
Unlike some weirdos who celebrate when they get a tax refund I get mad.
It’s not like it is some kind of prize, this is actually money that belonged to me in the first place and that the government kept without a plausible reason.
When I start doing the math I realize that some 40% of my income never reaches my pockets, vanishing into income tax retention and social security contribution. Another 15% of my income are turned into value added tax (VAT in Portugal varies: 5% for basic food, prescription drugs and health services; 12% processed food, books and cultural events; 21% for everything else).
Of the actual 45% of my income that is left I should also deduct the special taxes on particular items like fuel, the yearly taxes for our cars, the monthly taxes for the municipality and my license as radio amateur.
Give or take some, I only really get to spend one third of my income.
What do I get in return? Jack shit!!!
Social Security is going bankrupt, by the time I retire there will be no money to pay for my retirement, etc...
No wonder some people want to legalizeprostitution the sex industry here in Portugal too, that would mean a huge revenue increase for the IRS. Of course it is also no wonder the hookers sex industry workers don’t want to be legalized, it seems their pimps current employers don’t take as big a share as our government would...
Just like the year before, and the year before that and so on.
As you probably guessed by now I’ve just finished submitting my income tax info of 2005.
The moment I have everything ready to be submitted I usually perform a calculation to know how much will I have to pay. Once again instead of paying I will receive a tax refund, once again the said tax refund is rather high.
Unlike some weirdos who celebrate when they get a tax refund I get mad.
It’s not like it is some kind of prize, this is actually money that belonged to me in the first place and that the government kept without a plausible reason.
When I start doing the math I realize that some 40% of my income never reaches my pockets, vanishing into income tax retention and social security contribution. Another 15% of my income are turned into value added tax (VAT in Portugal varies: 5% for basic food, prescription drugs and health services; 12% processed food, books and cultural events; 21% for everything else).
Of the actual 45% of my income that is left I should also deduct the special taxes on particular items like fuel, the yearly taxes for our cars, the monthly taxes for the municipality and my license as radio amateur.
Give or take some, I only really get to spend one third of my income.
What do I get in return? Jack shit!!!
Social Security is going bankrupt, by the time I retire there will be no money to pay for my retirement, etc...
No wonder some people want to legalize
posted by DCveR at 6:09 PM
8 Comments:
I'm evading taxes this year.
That's what we're all born for. Be born, grow up, get a job and then get jacked by the taxman for the rest of our days.
wait, are you certain you don't live in the United States? LOL. the song remains the same no matter where you live.
D, you know they say misery loves company? Don't mind me, I'm just happy to know we're not alone here, tee hee...
LOL! I LOVED that last paragraph! Gave me a good, loud chuckle!
I guess it doesn't matter where in the world you live, the tax man rapeth.
ohhhhh dont get me started!!
in NY we pay, National tax, State tax, City tax, "Local" tax... while ppl in other states only pay national and state-
that's why in NY all cars have Florida license plates and all cellphones have Virginia numbers!
tall glass: Do not tempt me! Time and again I've said one of these days I'll end up moving far away from the big city...
bent: Wish I could do the same.
nml: And I am still one of the lucky ones.
bees knees: Nope. And believe me, the States can be even worst. After all everybody gets basic medical assistance here.
GG: You shouldn't be happy. No really, you shouldn't. It would be a lot nicer if the was a place where things were different... at least then we'd have a place to run to. ;)
bunny jo: Sad as it is, sometimes I feel we're no better than hookers, surrendering our hard earned money to some fat pigs who do nothing (I'm talking about Portuguese politicians here, in case of doubt).
ale: Don't complain about other states, change your laws to become like those other states. No?
It's called the IRS there as well? Fancy that! But at least your taxes aren't going to pay for immoral wars and to finance government cronies like ours are in the US. But my sympathies are with you, and I have yet to do my taxes.
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