Is that if you don't file a Schedule A and you take the standard deduction, people can't deduct Charitable Contributions.  To me it's not a big deal because I give money every year for the good it does to the organizations and colleges and not the tax deduction and most groups probably wouldn't even qualify (tyt for example), but hey it would be nice for us non-home owning slums to have more of an incentive to give to groups that need the money.

Maybe I should just get a home mortgage that I can't afford so I could have a voice in the country and qualify for some new programs. Yeah f' the renters, those lousy scumbags!  I'm still waiting for this renter/window insulation program because I'm sick of putting my head under the covers when sleeping and if I move my bed away from the window all my feng shui gets all screwed up.

by rev24 on 03/26/2009 05:01:32 PM EST

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Renters do get screwed, I agree.

PS---Please tell me you're not the one who voted that Cenk's plan "goes too far".

by Tom Hanc on 03/26/2009 05:08:43 PM EST

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Yesterday I was trying to get work done during Cenk's big presentation so I'd like to look into the numbers more as well as the links you've posted before I vote.

Geez, I didn't even go off on not being able to write off eligible medical and dental expenses if you don't file a Schedule A.   As you probably know, why I link the Schedule to homeowners is because when someone has a mortgage this is the reason why they will often take the itemized deductions so that they can write off the interest.  In my mind the whole tax code is *ss backwards for hardworking Americans and I have little faith that Obama will change this.

Another important thing to take not of is the Estate Tax provisions for the next 3 years.  For 2009, if your estate's worth over 3.5 million, you will have to pay estate taxes, however, in 2010 there are no taxes at all for everyone (if nothing changes), and in 2011 it goes up to the 1 million dollar exclusion.  It will be real interesting to see what Obama does here, because that's an awful lot of money that is going to be lost in 2010 and future years.  

by rev24 on 03/26/2009 05:44:03 PM EST

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It woulda been funny if you'd replied simply "I like to think before I vote".

But yeah, the Estate Tax is important too.

by Tom Hanc on 03/26/2009 05:48:45 PM EST

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Now that several others have voted for option "it goes too far, taxes are already too high" I realize the problem.

Ron Paul is coming on the show tonight, so the Ron Paul Internet Army(TM) is out in full effect and the results will be skewed as a result.

by Tom Hanc on 03/26/2009 05:34:02 PM EST

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