Tax Returns -- what're you doing with yours?

[TonyB0D]

That's just sad.

why is that?  i view the tax return as the 1 gift to myself each year for my hard work.....i've always just gone out and blown it in a few days

[Dave Gray]

I am also in favor of having the govt. take extra.  Sure, you lose out on 1 or 2 percent, but it's money that you never see, so you learn to live without.  It's not even a matter of temptation.  Even though I specifically put aside a few grand to pay taxes, it still felt like I was giving away my money at the end of the day.

But when you get a return, it feels like you're getting paid.

[Brian Fein]

I am also in favor of having the govt. take extra.  Sure, you lose out on 1 or 2 percent, but it's money that you never see, so you learn to live without.  It's not even a matter of temptation.  Even though I specifically put aside a few grand to pay taxes, it still felt like I was giving away my money at the end of the day.

But when you get a return, it feels like you're getting paid.

Exactly.  I've got so many bills to pay that I can't afford to put it away myself.  I'd say "I can use it now and just put it back later" but it never goes back.

I'd rather let them have it for now and get a windfall once a year.

[BeefStewert]

I have been looking for a place....problem, everything is wayyyy to expensive. South Florida realty is crazy, you know that. Finally the market is cooling down somewhat but now the interest rates are at a several year high again. Its never a win-win situation.

Don't worry.  A few more years of global warming and several more hurricanes, the prices will fall quickly.  You might have trouble getting a loan at that time though.

[bsfins]

I'm just the type of person....I don't mind the overpaying,take a little out each check rather than one big lump sum...I'm on a semi tight budget...that having to pay $400 would kill my budget...and strap my ass for a couple of months...

[BeefStewert]

why is that?  i view the tax return as the 1 gift to myself each year for my hard work.....i've always just gone out and blown it in a few days

It's all perspective.  You are proposing going out and blowing an amount equivalent to my mortgage on drugs, alchohol, and food.  So to me, that sounds sad.  But you are new to the work force and your priorities and responsibilities will probably change quite a bit over the next few years.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

I got back $4600.  Due to being in sales for the past year, they would tax my commissions as if I made the money bi-weekly instead of monthly.  So come tax time, it's time to give me back what I overpayed. 

The money will pay our property taxes, homeowners insurance, and auto insurance for the upcoming year, thereby cutting down our monthly costs.  The rest will go into savings. 

[Househead]

The money will pay our property taxes, homeowners insurance, and auto insurance for the upcoming year, thereby cutting down our monthly costs.

In South Florida, $4600 will pay either homeowners or property taxes, not both.

[YoFuggedaboutit]

In South Florida, $4600 will pay either homeowners or property taxes, not both.

You're right.  That's why I live in Georgia.  Although they have a state income tax, it evens out because property taxes, gas, and insurance are so much cheaper.

[DolFan619]

     I'm getting $341 back from the government.  Most of it will go to the bank, I'll probably buy a new video game with it.

[run_to_win]

I am also in favor of having the govt. take extra.  Sure, you lose out on 1 or 2 percent, but it's money that you never see, so you learn to live without.  It's not even a matter of temptation.

If you had to write a check to the government each month would you think a bit differently about taxes?

The ease of the withholding tax what allows our government to spend like drunken sailors.

I think this country would be much more fiscally conservative if paying taxes hurt a bit more.  Outlaw withholding and make everyone write a check to the government each quarter.

[BeefStewert]

Makes sense, but then the government won't get as much money (people won't have it to give).  The fix for a low tax payout rate is to increase the tax rate.  I'm not crazy about that idea - paying more for the same benefits?

[JVides]

Hire an extra 10,000 revenue agents and get them to audit a bit more.  Collect from all the tax cheats out there.  You want a budget surplus?  You'd get one.

Oh, and judicious spending wouldn't hurt, either.  Less pork in them bills, if you'd please.

[Denver_Bronco]

I got back $300 and bought an eight ball and a crack pipe.