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Taxpayers will be surprised to find out how their money is taxed. Most
people do not think about taxes until the tax season. In the United States,
citizens are required by law to pay some very strange taxes. Tax laws are
passed to increase revenue for the states and the federal government. These
laws are also approved to address social issues. On the other hand, strange tax
laws have been passed for financial crimes, individuals, businesses, and
animals.
First, financial crimes in America can be tax deductible. Under the United
States tax laws, a bank robber is required to pay income taxes on money that is
stolen from a bank. However, if the robber is caught, the costs that are paid
for the defense lawyer is tax deductible. A stock broker steals $3 million
dollars from his clients. The stock broker decides to voluntarily repay the
money back to the clients. This broker’s payments to the clients may be tax
deductible. Of course, there are a lot more strange taxes in America.
Next, there are strange taxes that are allowed due to an individual’s
personal circumstances. You build a swimming pool in your back yard. If you can
prove that the pool is being used for physical therapy, you can deduct the
costs for maintenance in some cases. A musician may able to deduct the cost of clarinet
lessons if the lessons cure overbite. A body builder can deduct the cost of the
body oil that is used to make their body shine during a competition. Breast
implants are tax deductible if the person makes a living as a model, actress or
stripper.
Then, you will find out that a lot of tax laws in America are aimed at
businesses. In New York, residents pay a prepared food tax. For example, sliced
bread (i.e. bagels) is taxed one time under a food tax and again as a prepared
food tax. If you go to Pittsburg, be prepared to pay a 5% amusement tax. You
will pay a 5% tax on all entertainment activities within the city. In Tennessee,
drug dealers are required to pay taxes on illegal substances that they sell
without revealing their identity. The state collected $1.5 million dollars in
2006.
Moreover, some states apply taxes on the sale of marijuana although it is
illegal to sell or possess this plant in the United States. Visit the Golden
State. When you buy an apple out of a vending machine, the tax rate is 33%. The
Badger State legislators impose a tax on its citizens for using the Internet.
In America, citizens are being taxed for flushing the toilet.
Finally, there are all kinds of strange taxes and weird taxes in America.
Pet owners in Durham, North Carolina pay a $75.00 tax if their dog is not
sprayed or neutered. There is a quote by Laurence J. Peter about taxation in
America. It says: “America is a land of taxation that was founded to avoid
taxation.” The citizens want to avoid taxation but the government finds ways
for them to pay more taxes.
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