I Hope I’m Not Breaking Any Laws

February 20, 2008

Apparently it pays to make barely any money. Last year, since I was a full-time student with only a part-time job, I made about $6,000 and I paid about $1 in federal taxes. I hadn’t done my taxes because I figured there was no way I was getting a refund. But I just decided to do them tonight, using one of the free online services, and wouldn’t you know it? I’m getting a $429 refund due to the Earned Income Credit. This seems crazy to me, and I really hope I’m not doing anything wrong. All I did was follow the instructions. I didn’t make anything up. Does anyone know anything about this?

Posted in: personal, me

Comments on I Hope I’m Not Breaking Any Laws

From Bill:

What a country. Obama isn’t even president yet and you’re getting a refund.

From dad:

Welcome to socialism Kat. You see 10 percent of the people pay about 90 percent of the taxes that the govt. collects. That, of course, means the other 90 per cent pay only 10 per cent. So when you hear Obama and Hillary saying that the rich need to be taxed more and that the poor (that’s us) need tax cuts what they are really talking about is re-distribution of wealth (ie Socialism). Think about it, how can you cut taxes on the half of American people who pay no taxes at all now? And when you raise taxes on that top ten percent they simple stop investing, creating jobs, building factories and go to switzerland. That’s why cutting taxes on the rich actually increases revenue to the govternment. It’s true, you can look it up, Ronald Reagan proved it. Anyhow I’m glad you’re getting your share :)

From Uncle Blyth:

Yep, get it while you can. One day you’ll be a rich Republican and you can pay us all back. I remember when they put a luxury tax on yachts to stick it to the rich only to find out the rich decided not to buy boats and all the poor people that made and sold them lost their jobs – they repealed the tax.

From Katy:

Same thing happened to my dad last year. Because he had a not great sales year, he got a refund of more than he paid in. Stupid system just discourages success and hard work because higher earners are penalized for their success. It’s the opposite of the American Dream.

I saw Obama speak yesterday. Don’t even get me started. But, I’m glad you’re getting something back.

From dad:

Old Chinese saying:

“When you rob Peter to pay Paul, Paul will always vote for you.”

From Adam:

Kat… just wait till you have kids! Becky and I have 3 (yes, 3) and tax season is like the year of Jubilee… hmmm… maybe redistribution of wealth is more biblical than capitalism (too bad its the govt doing it instead of the church). :)