Comic Strips

Taxes are also the problem in countries like the US and China wherein income tax only exists to remove currency from circulation. There's plenty of other ways to do that in a digital world.

Yep, and this cartoon feels like America would keep voting for this stupid fascist stuff as long as they keep promising the Libertarian ideal of lower and lower taxes.

Americans trained to defund America, the enemy was inside all along.

Know you're joking, but just think it's funny to point out that one of DOGE's first acts was to try to kill the direct file system the IRS maintains to make it easier for some people to file their taxes. I feel like that one didn't get a lot of coverage.

... Right into Col. Musks bank account!

Now that it's clear the Federal government is just using tax money to give to billionaires, it's going to be extra painful this year. It genuinely just feels like a protection racket now. Pay money to the ruling class, or their enforcers will haul you away to prison.

In the Norwegian tax system, if you pay too much taxes trough the year from your paycheck, you get interest on the amount you paid to much. Likewise, if you pay too little taxes throughout the year, you will have to pay interest on the amount you have yet to pay. So the system is supposed to be balanced in that regard. The interest is on the level of a savings account (3.51% annual atm), so you could make an argument that saving that in a index stock or good bond is a better ROI though, so still recommended to try to not pay too much during the year.

I look at it like a non-voluntary piggy bank. I set the amount I'm going to withhold from every pay check, and anything over, gets given back. Sure it's interest free but if you look at an actual bank, interest rates on that money sitting in a savings account is pennies. And if you're someone who is bad at not spending your money, having it held for you with no real way to withdraw it is helpful when budgeting.

Besides, it's easy to over pay, it's pretty difficult for most people to net zero on tax payments without ending up owing money. And the amount you owe, could be something you hadn't budgeted for. I owe $450 this year. I don't really know where I'm getting that money. Most people will be less happy owing money than over paying and getting a refund.

I actually wish I could do this in Australia, for the reasons you mention (from a self-interested point of view).

I'm glad tax witholding is mandatory here though, because the government has to pay for stuff throughout the year, on services which we all benefit.

And it reduces the number of people who have illogical emotional reactions on having to pay taxes. (Much less resistance when you get a touch back, than have to pay more)

We do also pay taxes for stupid shit, like our tribute of $300 B AUD to the US for submarines. But alas, such is government spending. We can't all agree what's actually good.

I'm not sure what country you're talking about, but I assume the U.S. We do have taxes deducted from payroll, and you fill out a form telling the employer (and the IRS) what amount to deduct based on estimated income, family size, and a couple of other factors. Then in April we have to file our official tax form declaring actual income, and if we owe less than what was deducted from our paychecks we receive that back as a refund, but if we underestimated we have to pay whatever taxes are remaining. The reason that filing taxes is so complicated is the sheer volume of deductions, exemptions, credits, etc that have been piled on top of the tax code over the years (plus lobbying by the tax prep industry). It's a stupid system, but it's not as stupid as some people seem to be assuming in this thread. If you set up your withholding right, you shouldn't ever owe taxes when it's time to file.

Now, if you're self-employed or a contractor (and considered self-employed) the whole thing kind of falls apart and it's a lot easier to wind up owning a bunch of money. Like I said, it is a stupid system, just not quite as crazy as some people seem to be assuming.

This is why I don't blame the politicians. I blame the people

And what would that do?

They already run a deficit, so they'll run a bigger deficit. Printing money is a flat tax on everyone. So not paying taxes is just applying a flat tax on others.

Plus you get to go to jail and cost me money to support you there.

I'm all for effective protest, but this doesn't seem to be it.

Good luck getting that tariff money to pay for local roads and schools.

I'm sure that Elon Musk will agree with you.

Before the feds went fascist, this was hyperbole. Now it's simply the truth, for federal, anyway. At least my state taxes are still being used for public benefit.

Bracketed income tax is a thing for a reason, and it is a good reason.

more income == more tax.

If I'm making less than $20k/year, there's no reason to give a shit about my taxes, just let me live yo.

If I'm making $200k+/year, then we have a conversation on our hands.

If I'm making 2,000k+/year, then we have a problem and the conversation should have have been completed by now.

edit:

exact numbers are not relevant. if you have a functioning brain, then you know what I mean.

Income amount that requires you to file

If you were under 65 at the end of 2024

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/check-if-you-need-to-file-a-tax-return

I’ve had to work with the irs a few times in my life and they were always reasonable and understanding. I lost everything and had to scrounge up $200k by selling off a business and everything but a shirt off my back and they never charged interest or late fees because I always answered their calls and kept them updated on what was going on. I know many others have had different experiences but the two times I was in deep shit and desperate times I walked away with a positive experience from the irs.