USA government taxes venting
@margieanneart (26423)
United States
February 28, 2007 8:18pm CST
Hi my friends. I am in such a bad mood, I'm sorry. I need to vent. If you don't want to listen, I understand, skip my post. If you want to join in on your thoughts, that would be fine.
The reason I want to vent, is because I feel that the USA government really taxes the middle man way too much. I came back from the tax accountant today. It was horrible. We own quite a bit, because we didn't have enough deductions. The deductions in the past have been changed. Charities have been changed. And the worst, is the social security taxing. When we work all these years, we pay tax on that. Then when you retire, and receive any of it, they tax you 80% of it as it is considered an income. Who the heck can live on such a small amount anyway. This country will not help older people. We must work until we die. I wanted public assistance for health for only 3 months, until my husband's job would cover me. They declined it, because, listen to this, "I'm married." They said I qualify, if I weren't married. All these young healthy people are living on the system, and all of us are paying for them. But, when a middle class needs assistance of any sort, "we are over qualified." They say, you own a home and a car. Well, of coarse we do, we worked our whole lives, didn't sponge off the system. What is wrong with this picture? I really am wondering if the USA is really the best country around or not. Both my husband and I have worked our whole lives and been to college. Because of some personal problems in our family, we used up our entire life savings on them. I cannot even afford to see a doctor, or get meds that I need. But, the people on the system, get whatever they need. Even the illegals. Am I missing something here? Please, tell me if I am out of line. How would you feel? What do you think about this? All countries please tell me about how it is in your country. Thanks for listening to me moan and cry, I'm really upset about this. It's been so hard without hubby working, and that was a stinking nother government boloni.
Thanks again for listening to me. Please do not come down on me, those of you who do not understand this.
9 people like this
32 responses
@whiteheather39 (24403)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Margieanne I didn't have pay income taxes on my Social Security because you only have to pay taxes if as an individual you earned more than $25,000 and as a couple more than $32,000 in 2006. If you did not earn these amounts you need to file an amended tax return and you may get money back. I would make that tax accountant re-file it for free and he screwed up!!
4 people like this
@mari61960 (4893)
• United States
1 Mar 07
It's very frustrating I know first hand. When I had an adult family home in washington state, I broke my leg. I had no insurance because it's like adult foster care. One of the men I took care of shoved me and I fell down the steps and broke my leg. I couldn't get any help for medical or money, food stamps nothing. The state removed the guy that pushed me, one guy was in the hospital and was not coming back anytime soon, another had just moved into his own apartment. My nephew turned 18 so I was no longer getting any support for him. I had a relief care giver that I paid 400.00 a month plus room and board. I was down to one guy and getting 800.00 a month for him. The rent on my 6 bedroom house alone was 12,000.00. I had to close up and move home 3000 miles to mother...lol I had a 15 passenger van reposesed..oh it just wasn't good. What a damn mess this country is. It seems the more you need the help the less your chances of getting it are.
4 people like this
@kgwat70 (13388)
• United States
1 Mar 07
My friend, I certainly have to agree with you on our country and the way that the government handles things. I feel that the middle and lower class are being screwed big time and the wealthy people are being helped more. It does seem like the younger people are getting more than the older people. Why this is, beats me but I think our system stinks and needs to help people like you and your husband as well as many other people in the same situation as you both. You are definitely not out of line and have every right to complain and let your feelings out.
4 people like this
@visitorinvasion (7709)
• United States
1 Mar 07
If you want that to change--believe me, I'm with you on this--this is the man you need to be listening to:
Alex Jones, Advocate for the People's Awarness
http://prisonplanet.com radio show on podcast: http://prisonplanet.tv
And this is the man you need to be voting for:
http://ronpaulexplore.com
30 years Ron Paul has been fighting those taking away what's ours and giving it to illegals...or using it to start a war, whatever--anyway. He's the guy.
I really hope things get better for you.
4 people like this
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I too know of the lack of care for us the U.S. citizens. We too have worked our whole lives and paid taxes. We had a housefire and need some assistance. We went for a grant and was turned down. Now I thought that getting a family back into their home and becoming paying and not begging citizens would be good for our county.
Job and family services I went to at the urging of my new friends since I began to work part time cleaning hotel rooms at the time. I went to see what we qualified for. I was treated poorly and accuses of assuming I could get some help. I did not know and only went at the urging of friend. Had never used them and didn't really know if we did. The only thing they offered was a health card in the end. For a food card I had to look for a job when I already had one and was homeschooling two kids that they did not care about.
Was a real sad situation. All we have done has been pretty much on our own. Not with our refund since we are considered poor and have these 2 kids will hopefully go for a new roof and then the volunteer help can come and frame and drywall and put in some new windows.
Wish us much luck as I do for you and yours. We fully understand what it means to be hard working people and be penalized for it.
2 people like this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Oh honey, I truly am so sorry. What a mess. But, God can work it out, so I am praying for you sugar.
@villageanne (8553)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I am right there with you! We sold some timber off our farm. Because of that we are going to have to pay alot of taxes too. Alot and it is not fair. We had to sell our timber to pay bills. WE only sold one load of timber. My brothers cut it for us as a favor. My brother hauled it to the lumber yard for me too. The government is so unfair. We are low- middle class. They take money from our checks to pay the people who dont work and we are having a hard time makeing it now they want more money.
I am on your side. you are not alone.
3 people like this
@gabs8513 (48686)
• United Kingdom
1 Mar 07
Margie love you vent all you want and you have every right to vent here. I totally agree with you on what you are saying. We have the Problem here in the UK to not as bad as you on the Doctor Side. But I worked all my Life always paid my Taxes and then when I became disabled I had near enough no money for a year as that was how long it took me to fight for my Disability and everything. Then I made this move and again I had to fight for everything that I was entitled to and basically got told if I was just Jobless and not disbled I would not have this Problem. Now because I have moved I am still being owed money from the Benefits and I being put of all the time, I am running out of food here but they do not care. I will be ringing them again now to find out where the rest of my Money is. So you see we have the same here.
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I didn't know it was that bad in the UK too. I am so sorry for your situation. How are people to survive? It is such a mess. Politians lie to get into office, tell the public what we need to hear. We only have a few rich ones to choose from, and usually they all stink. What on earth is to be done? Thanks for your input, and I do hope that somehow you get what is due you, and things work out dear.
@crazynurse (7482)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Oh if I get started you'll need several cups of coffee to get through my rant! I 'll try to be brief. Yes, in the USA we reward laziness. In the area I live, children grow up seeing their parents 'have it all' without a job,and that becomes their goal. Seriously, greater than 50% in this town/area are 'on the draw' and make no bones about it. They pride themselves in it. I live in one of the only 'middle class' neighborhoods in the city. (the others are for the few who are filthy rich and then there are countless substandard areas). In my neighborhood are so many who never get up and head off to work, never pay into the system, or anything...yet USE THE SYSTEM FOR EVERYTHING! A neighbor of mine has five children, no job and yet lives in a beautiful brick home, has totally free medical care for all five children, receives wic, has food stamps, and a portion of her bills paid. No, she is not single!!! She is married. He hasn't worked in 5-6 years...as he is attempting to get 'disability' like everyone here. Yet, he works at jobs that pay under the table. People here even go to the local mental health agency to attempt to get a 'crazy check.' Yes, they feign mental illness to draw SSI. I get so fed up that I could throw up. My husband has had two total hips, aches contantly from arthritis in his joints yet gets up every morning and hobbles to work. I get up every morning, no matter how badly I feel, and head off to work. As I look into my rearview mirror, there are few lights on in the other homes on my street, as they are 'sleeping in.' GRRRRRR
2 people like this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Oh dear, I understand completely. I am worn out from reading all these, and trying to answer them. It stinks the whole system in the USA and I am so unhappy with the injustice of it all. The middle class pay though the nose for everything, and we can barely get by. Read some more of what I wrote and others. Good luck dear...
@spiritwolf52 (2300)
•
1 Mar 07
I'm not a big fan of the US government either. When I was between jobs, my unemployment ran out, I went to apply for welfare, temporarily. Well, the interview process was a joke. After filling out all the forms and spending 3 hours at their office, my name finally came up. I was also looking into going to college to better my skills. Well, the interviewer turned me down. I had no money coming in at all. I asked her why. She told me that if I had been married, I would have been approved. She told me that because I was a single woman there was no way that I could receive help. I only needed help for a short time till I got another job and the money started coming in again. I felt totally humiliated. I had to beg my mother for some help. One of my friends fed me for a month till I was back on my feet.
The way the government is going these days, the citizens that need help, just won't get it. I would really be depressed if I had to spend my golden years in the States. They just tend to overlook the elderly. At least here in the UK, they help the pensioners out. At age 60, you get your pills free, free bus passes, help with the heating in winter. I can't see the US ever doing that.
2 people like this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I am sorry for your heartache that you went though. My husband is 70, working full time now. Please read some of my other comments and what other people wrote in. I am so tired now from writing and reading all this, as it is very depressing. I on the other hand, was turned down for medical for the 3 months that I need help until my husbands job covers me, because we are married. I went in when he was layed off temp. I was only asking for help for 3 months. But the office is full of young women and lazy men that live together, have children, and both are collecting money for food and rent and bills, and never ever work. They live on the system, that we all work so hard to provide, but are declined when we hit a bad time and need help for a short time. What are people to do anymore? Thanks for your conversation. I wish you the best sweetie.
@BDnLacy (324)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I am in the same situation. My problem comes from my husbands health. We owned a business for several years and had to sell it to pay medical bills. When he was 18 he was told that because he born with a disability, if he would sign up for social security, that he would draw a certain amount each month. Well he isn't the type of person to sit around and accept hand outs, so he went to work, and later opened his own business. Then just what we knew would happen eventually did happen. His health finally failed and he had to stop working. Now not only does he draw less then 1/4 of what he would have drawn the very 1st month if he had signed up at 18, but he cannot get insurance.
If our government was more concerned about the actual citizens of the country, and less about who is being mistreated around the world, we could be a great country once again. But they would rather spend our taxes on bombs and charity for other countries.
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
You are so right. Thanks for your input and I do hope things will somehow improve for you sweetie.
@hopefoo (1145)
• Malaysia
1 Mar 07
Wow. I'm so sorry to hear that. It's so awful. We over here always think that other countries give better benefits to people who are poor and all that and never once have I thought about the middle class people. You're right, it's wrong. You've worked hard all your life and paid your taxes to help those in need and now when you need help, they tell you that you're not entitled to it!! I would be pissed too! Can you take it up with anyone?
2 people like this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
No, the government is not as one knows it to be out of the USA. It isn't all golden paved streets here, and wealth, as so many other countries think. We have leaders that are awful, and yes, we voted them in. But, we didn't have much of a choice many times. They are wealthy and can afford to run. Most Americans are not rich, and the middle class hurt more than the poor or rich. They pay for everything, and get nothing when in need. It's a mess. Thank you for your kind words dear.
1 person likes this
@chevez (51)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Oh, I understand completely. Get this, taxes are unconstitutional and illegal too. Check the constitution and the bill of rights and all the other documents. Taxes are collected by the ones in power to line their pockets first and they don't care about your problems honey. The way of history is the way of the future, and always will be until everyone stands up and says NO WAY any more. They can't put everyone in jail now can they. Guess we will just have to grin and bear it.
2 people like this
@whyaskq (7523)
• Singapore
1 Mar 07
I emphatise the situation you are in. Believe me, the situation will go away, and life will improve. I have been thru something similar though I pay no tax. Neither is my family eligible for social aid. My dad's medical expenses were waived only when he passed away. It was lucky I had the support of a relative to tide thru the day-to-day living. I was a teenager then.
Surviving thru that state of life has brought about certain insights in life. No matter how bad the situation is, we can survive if we choose to survive. In my opinion, the best way to tide thru is to find comfort in whatever you do, either willingly or reluctantly. Think about giving. Just imagine how great you are - you are still contributing to help many others despite your need to receive. How wonderful life is!
@lauriefnp (5109)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I also understand how you're feeling. There is something wrong with the system in this country, for sure. There are people in their 20's who have never worked a day in their lives and who never planned on working who are now receiving SSI Benefits for life, full Medicaid in NY state, and social service benefits for housing and food stamps. Many of my former patients who were diagnosed with HIV receive this because they claimed "permanent disability". In the first place, HIV is not a disabling condition at this stage. They have many, many working years ahead of them. Why the government gives them these benefits is a mystery to me. I have seen firsthand so much abuse of the system in just a small patient population (45o people). I can only imagine the money that could be saved and used for real needs if the government were to reform these systems and stop paying for illegals. It's sickening what this country makes elderly people go through in order to get the medical care and medications that they need. And it's sick what people such as ourselves go through when we have worked our entire lives and suddenly find ourselves unemployed through no fault of our own. Why is it that when I needed a bit of help there was no help to be found? I'm in the same tax position as you are this year, because I took the unemployment money without having taxes withheld (of course I did- I needed the money!). Now I have to pay tax on that measly bit of money that I received. This is turning into my own rant. I'm sorry!
1 person likes this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Laurie, I am glad that you could vent and share your views. It is such a cheating government. Is there any that are not though? They take out of your soc/sec medicare benefits, and charge you. Then you must take out something else, like AARP, to cover what they don't. That is so expensive too. And, still, you get stuck from medicare coverage. My husband has all the parts he pays for. When he had to have his kidney removed, medicare would not pay for the cartiagram test, or the first day in the hospital. It was considered a deductable. And the test unnessarry. Well who is going to have a kidney removed, if their heart is not checked? They cheat you so much. My husband can never retire, and I am stuck at home and cannot work because of my foot problem, that I cannot go to a doctor about. Even the doctor's are outrageous. They make you pay, before you even go in to see him. They won't accept payments. What are people suppose to do? I'm sorry, I am just very upset. I have to come up with all this money now, and my husband has not even been paid this week yet. And we have no money even to get food, yet, we are over qualified. ?????????????????What a system. And they tell the people what we want to hear to get elected, but then it stops there.
@western_valleygirl (1363)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I totally, totally, agree with you. My hubby and I have the same problem, and I am sure, that even if we ever elevate to upper middle class, we are still going to get cheated out of every dime we make. When I went to the hospital, I had not renewed my health insurance, and so, the entire bill had to be paid, uninsured, and I could not get help either, because I over-qualify, and others, that are just parasites on the system get healthcare for free...and, I used to pay huge amounts of my money, for my healthcare...I cannot understand why we have such inflated rates for medicine and healthcare, when other countries see it is a public right, and when they tax their people, those people actually get the benefits. I am of a generation that is not even going to get to retire on government money (such that it is), because already they are saying that there won't be anything left. I really believe that we are being cheated by our governemt. I wish that we had it better here...because we give so much and get nothing back. Today, as we were coming home from grocery shopping, my hubby was saying how clean and organized, our community is, and how they are updating things...I told him, it is a good thing all of our state, local, and county, taxes go for something we can see...everything else is pure robbery...
1 person likes this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
So right you are. The politians say what they know what the people want to hear, and then it stops there. Where do all these taxes go to? When does it stop. A dollar doesn't buy much. Everything is so inflated. My husband is 70, and cannot stop working full time at a professional job,and we cannot afford any luxury. I cannot afford health care, ins, or my meds that I need. We are over qualified....I am so sick of that word. I don't feel over qualified when I am hungry or cannot afford to keep up. Thanks for your conversation. I hope things get better for you sugar.
@shambuca (2524)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I agree with you - we are overtaxed- and I had no idea they taxed you on SSI..unbelievable.
We just got hit with a 400.00 per quarter hike in city taxes, we own a small piece of property and pay 4000.00 in taxes, my sisiter who lives 3 towns over has 3x as much property as we do plus a built in pool and pays 6500.00, and we can't move because then we would have a huge mortgage on a new house, you just can't win..
thanks for the vent fest--- hope you feel better- you are not alone!!!
1 person likes this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Thanks for sharing. I do hope it will get better for you my dear.
1 person likes this
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Nobody pays 85% in taxes, not even the top earners, so whoever filed your taxes really messed it up.
As to the rest, you are right. My disability insurance from work lapsed while I was working on getting my SSA and the only help I could get was food stamps for a year and a half. If it hadn't been for family helping out during that time my wife and me would have been living on the street. We weren't married yet, but that wouldn't have mattered anyhow.
I didn't own a house and had sold the car as I was no longer able to drive. I had worked for 30 years, have had a reportable income since age 17, and am male.
If I had been a female with a bunch of kids and never worked, I would have had all sorts of help.
I finally did get my disability, and the person that said up to 32000 before having to pay taxes is correct, because that is how my SSA book reads.
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
He did get charged 80% tax on the income of the soc. sec. I am sure of it. I need disability, and cannot get it, as I did not get hurt on a job. But, I cannot work, nor afford a doctor. Also, my husband was layed off for 5 weeks, and I cannot get into it again, as it was posted. But to get the unemployment was a joke too. He paid state and government tax on it, and they didn't pay the first week, only paid two weeks, and no more. He's protesting again. This system is all messed up. It should help people in hard times, but so many people are living on it with another and stay on it while everyone works hard to support them. Know what I mean?
@Destiny007 (5805)
• United States
1 Mar 07
Did he get taxed on 80% of his income, or did he get hit with an 80% tax rate?
I just want to make sure that I understand what you are saying.
If he got taxed on 80% of his income then that is understandable to a point.
If his income got taxed at 80%, then there has been a mistake made.
I am sorry that you are having so much trouble. It really makes no sense when people work and are productive their entire lives to have to struggle so hard when comes time to retire, or you when you have to take disability.
I had to fight for mine for 3 1/2 years before I finally won it, and then they only counted the last year because they didn't want to overrule the previous judges decision.
I hope it works out for you soon.
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I am glad yours worked out. It is so awful to have to fight for something so hard, that you worked your whole life to give into.
It wasn't the tax bracket. It was only on the social security income part. They taxed that part 80%, he is also working full time and is 70 years old, as we cannot live on a social security check. I thought that when we work and get taxed on it, that was one thing. But, then to finally get it, and get taxed a second time because it is considered income is way out of line for our government to do. It seems the more you make, the less you bring home. I just don't know what will be. Everything is so high, and we try so hard to be independent and work, but it is getting impossible. Wishing you a healthy blessed day my friend. Thanks for your conversation.
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
1 Mar 07
The States is certainty NOT the best place to live in this world. It is usually only Americans themselves who remain blindly patriotic and haven't woken up to the realities of the world who feel this way. What I've said may sound harsh, but this is what someone from outside might feel.
What exactly is good about America?
If you want welfare, go to UK.
If you want low taxes, go to Canada.
If you want good food, go to Hong Kong.
If you want security, go to Switzerland.
If you want politic funfair, go to South Korea.
If you want good government, go to Singapore.
If you want opportunity, go to China, India and Vietnam.
Now, what else do you want? Message me and I will tell you where you can find them. And as you can see, there is nothing in USA that is really enviable.
But back to your situation, I would suggest you set aside some time and seriously pray to God. Reflect and rationally decide what is the best course of action for you.
Sometimes, the answer is just staring hard at you - if only you look at it. Hope this helps.
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I appreciate your thoughs and inputs. I have really questioned this myself. Living is so difficult. At 70, my husband must work full time, he is a professional, and we still can barely get by. Wishing you my best my friend.
1 person likes this
@lordwarwizard (35747)
• Singapore
1 Mar 07
I really hope things would become better for you.
The world is not as before if someone at 70 has to work hard. My heart truly weeps for the state of affairs this world has regressed to.
@Starflames (261)
• United States
1 Mar 07
You're not alone, sweety! I feel the same way and tell you right now, that there are other countries that REALLY do take a lot better care of their citizens.
The USA is one of the worst countries when it comes time on how to treat her citizens. Aside from that, America, is always finding ways to bite into the chunks of peoples money. I personally can't stand it.
These taxes are insane! Just like property taxes, you worked so hard for every taxed cent you've made, buy property, and if you get into a financial crisis later in life and can't pay these taxes, lo and behold, they will take your property away and sell it to pay themselves off!
I too wanted a little assistant a few years ago to go to school and I was turned down!
All these problems are what our politicians have garnered for us over the past years. But when it comes time for themselves to get raises, lo and behold, they get to vote on it! And never turn themselves down.
I too am frustated and fed up with it, but until WE THE PEOPLE unite, force and demand changes, nothing will ever change. It will get worst before it will ever get better.
1 person likes this
@margieanneart (26423)
• United States
1 Mar 07
I agree with you. But, how can we change it. We vote for the lies they tell us that we need to hear. The canidates are not usually any good, but they have the money to run. I am so fed up with it all. One time, until around the 60's, life here in the USA was so great. Now it is a big mess. Thanks for sharing with me. Bless you sweetie.
