TAX RANT.

[Zeno]

Below is a synopsis of my recent monthly phone bill.

Basic Personal Home telephone service (local, no long distance charges) that includes ‘Linebacker’, and voice messaging: $25.20


Taxes, Fees & Surcharges (not itemized but all are listed)

Federal Excise
State Sales
County Sales
City Sales
Franchise
State 911
Federal Universal Serv Fund
Telecommunication Relay Service Fund
Federal Access Charge

Total for the above: $10.56

Total Bill $ 35.76


This amounts to a 42 % ‘tax ’ on my purchase of really just basic service from the local phone company. Almost the same taxes, fees, etc are also listed on my long distance service.

This is just one example of the vile and insidious tax structure that saps money away from people. And this is just for a basic service – which all people need. Talk about a regressive tax. And just because it is called a ‘surcharge’, or ‘excise’ or ‘fee’ etc does not mean it should be excluded from being called a TAX.


Along with the state and federal income taxes I have to pay, I also pay Sales tax on almost everything I purchase, including food, and in addition, a liquor tax and all the other ‘Sin Taxes’, Gasoline or Fuel taxes, taxes on tires, and a whole plethora of other taxes that I am propablbly not even aware of.

Federal, State, and County governments are simply out of control. They need to be cut by at least 50% and our taxes cut proportionately.


-Zeno

[Sloats]

We have to provide bread for the children of poorer countries and communities.

[MMMMMM]

"We have to provide bread for the children of poorer countries and communities."

We do, and their governments steal it or misuse it.

[mikeyvegas]

It's funny you bring this up about your phone bill since I just recently got a phone activated in my new apartment. Before then, I was just using my cell phone for my normal phone. When I saw how much was added as for taxes and fees I was shocked. I've done some research and I'm probably going to switch over to a Voice over IP service which does not have the same fees and taxes a traditional phone service does.

[Ray Zee]

get rid of those linebacker and voice extras first then get rid of you long distance and get a costco card for 2 cents a minute and speed dailing for your phone. no more long distance tax or fee. smoke one less of those stinkin stoogies everyday as they are taxed and the world will be better off. get a diesel truck and sneak in red dyed farm fuel that isnt taxed. then move to montana where we have no sales tax and go shooting with me.

[Zeno]

That linebacker thing is a scam, No. At least I don't have call waiting or threesome phone service etc.

That is a very sound plan you so generously outlined for me. Thank You. I am taking it under advisement and will consult with my lawyer at the earliest opportunity.

-Zeno

[natedogg]

Last year I worked on a project here in california with two brits. Now this is just an anecdote, so bear that in mind.

But they told me their tax burden here in Cali was WORSE than when they lived in Britain.

Worse taxes than a borderline socialist country like Britain, with none of the benefits. Great.

natedogg

[turnipmonster]

ditch the land line completely and get a cell phone.

[Nemesis]

for 20 bucks more per month you'd surely have ALL the minutes you could need. Even possibly unlimited calling any time.

[andyfox]

Watch your ass. There's probably a plan afoot somewhere to raise the taxes on the complainers. Right after they cancel the election. And take away your guns. And your copy of The Third Man. Then they'll make you re-read every thread here about Israel and the Palestinians.

I'll let others elaborate.

[Patrick del Poker Grande]

I don't know if you're married or not, so you may have had this experience. I'm currently engaged to be married in October. We're having our reception at a hotel ballroom in Minnesota. All food is subject to a 9% sales tax, a 17% service charge (tip for the workers), and then a f'ing 7.5% tax on the f'ing tip! Alcohol is subject to the same, except the sales tax on that is 11.5% to go along with the 17% service fee and an even larger 11.5% tax on the service fee. Room rates are also subject to 17% and another 7.5% of the 17%. Not only that, but 'audio visual' services are also subject to the 7.5% sales tax plus 17% service charge, plus 7.5% tax on the 17% service charge. Then it gets taxed again when the workers get paid at whatever their income tax rate is. It's more than a bit ridiculous. Thanks, Jesse Ventura.

[Zeno]

Good examples of the dastardly tax structure. And I should add that I forget to mention the Social Security and Medicare Tax in my initial post, which are separate from the personal income tax.

By the way - I take it you are pummeling the Tax Man in your interesting 'Photo'. Or is that Jesse you are so studiously pounding on?

-Zeno