The example below is no way to improve the quality of life for less fortunate Americans.
http://news.investors.com/ibd-edito...ent-tax-code-those-that-work-get-punished.htm
Americans might not realize it, but our tax code seems designed to keep poor people poor, by layering on disincentives for those at low incomes to work hard and better themselves.
"As low-income households earn more money, not only do their tax burdens grow rapidly, but they also receive fewer benefits from federal social assistance programs," the report said. "In fact, individuals who move to higher-paying jobs sometimes end up with less overall disposable income, after taxes and transfers."
The report uses two examples, as noted by the Washington Beacon. In one, a single parent earns $4,800 in salary before taxes. That's not much, but because of entitlements such as Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Children's Health Insurance Program, food stamps, and Housing Choice Vouchers, that person's take-home pay for the year jumps to $22,090 — not a lot, granted, but it's more than 4-1/2 times greater than what that person actually earned working.
That compares to someone who earns $21,000 before taxes but, because of taxes and entitlements, takes home $24,057 for the year.
Yes, that person earns $16,200 more from work, but takes home just $1,967 more, thanks to the tax code and generous benefits to those with less income.
"As low-income households earn more money, not only do their tax burdens grow rapidly, but they also receive fewer benefits from federal social assistance programs," the report said.
http://news.investors.com/ibd-edito...ent-tax-code-those-that-work-get-punished.htm
Americans might not realize it, but our tax code seems designed to keep poor people poor, by layering on disincentives for those at low incomes to work hard and better themselves.
"As low-income households earn more money, not only do their tax burdens grow rapidly, but they also receive fewer benefits from federal social assistance programs," the report said. "In fact, individuals who move to higher-paying jobs sometimes end up with less overall disposable income, after taxes and transfers."
The report uses two examples, as noted by the Washington Beacon. In one, a single parent earns $4,800 in salary before taxes. That's not much, but because of entitlements such as Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Children's Health Insurance Program, food stamps, and Housing Choice Vouchers, that person's take-home pay for the year jumps to $22,090 — not a lot, granted, but it's more than 4-1/2 times greater than what that person actually earned working.
That compares to someone who earns $21,000 before taxes but, because of taxes and entitlements, takes home $24,057 for the year.
Yes, that person earns $16,200 more from work, but takes home just $1,967 more, thanks to the tax code and generous benefits to those with less income.
"As low-income households earn more money, not only do their tax burdens grow rapidly, but they also receive fewer benefits from federal social assistance programs," the report said.
