The Issue: The current tax structure, which has half of America paying taxes and most others paying nothing.
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Michael A. Walsh’s “Making Taxes Fairer” is spot on (PostOpinion, Oct. 31).
According to Walsh, nearly half of Americans pay nothing in taxes or receive federal checks through the Earned Income Tax Credit. This should cause folks who work to see red. What genius came up with this giveaway bonanza?
If you can figure out how to fill out a 1040 form, you get more money?
When everyone contributes, the system will be fair. When a helping hand becomes an expected handout, the system’s failed.
Arthur Bichsel
Mastic
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My niece qualifies every year for the EITC.
She typically gets something between $4,000 and $6,500 per refund — a windfall that she blows on crap like vacations or unlimited two-year tanning packages.
However, she cannot qualify for food stamps — something that would truly help on a monthly basis. Our money would be better spent if we gave her food stamps and stopped the EITC.
Otto Semet
Beaverton, Ore.
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Walsh’s article is interesting, but he misses the most unfair aspect of our tax system.
Why is a doorman who makes $45,000 a year subsidizing new houses for the rich through the mortgage interest-tax deduction?
Why does that same worker assist the wealthy to send their children to Ivy League schools via the $1,000 IRS personal exemption?
I have no problem giving the poor welfare, but I’m sick of giving welfare to the rich and upper middle class.
Jim Dillon
Long Island City