Speaking of tax cheats
 

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/02/bu...leonhardt.html

We hear so much blather about people who allegedly pay no taxes try this on for size.:rolleyes:

They're selling dreams, Rob. You can't tax peoples' dreams. That would be un-American.

All the answers to this problem are in that article..

1) US corporate rates are higher than most other nations. Collections are lower due to "special interest" loopholes that have been granted.

2) Talking about how much the US govt gets from Ford (for example) does not paint the entire corporate tax picture. You have to EXCUSE the taxes paid to OTHER countries by US corporations to ensure competitiveness. So the total actual tax burden of a US corp with large overseas divisions is much larger than the NY Times will admit.

If I had a dime for everytime I've heard the phrase "I'd rather pay my lawyer (or CPA) than Uncle Sam", I'd be rich. Of course, the amounts paid to these folks is simply a cost of doing business, or a "hidden tax" depending on your perspective. If we'd simplify the tax code, we'd put a whole slew of lawyers, CPA's, and accounting firms out of business.

So we waffle around the mulberry bush, anyone care to address the real issue? People are not the only ones not paying INCOME taxes.

OK MerryLander::

I'll play..

If GE had not transformed itself into the Jolly Green Giant to suck up all those subsidies, they would have paid A LOT of taxes this year? Want to rescind those Green tax credits? The eco-left figured those would all go to the bearded overall types working on manure piles and wooden windmills in their yard. That was the expectation wasn't it?

They do say the average fortune 500 company pays over 30%.

Pete

I knew it.. I just knew it.. You are a famous character Pete..

Did you get into copyright problems with the Lincoln/Mercury cat?

:)

Yes and no. They didn't care about the copyright, but the new and improved Ford Company of Fine Cars, worried about the 50+% of car buyers now female, thought a howling cougar sent the wrong message. They wanted me to change it to Mary T Moores' little kitten but not being a man of the new millennium I refused.

Then I heard the black helecopters.... that's when I realised my gerbil had ratted me out.

Pete

Ah yes - They do say, and another pig flew by.:D

Flack maybe if GE had not shut down every operation in Ohio and shipped all the work to China I might just manage a tear or two on their behalf.