GATLING@SUVM (Keith E Gatling) (01/16/90)
Eric:
I believe that you are only partially right on the issue of the tax structure
going against families.
Cheryl and I both noticed when we got married that the amount of money we
got back from the IRS dropped by 50%, and at first thought it was terribly un-
fair that we should be taxed more because we were married. Then we took a
closer look at the math involved.
We each made X amount of money each year before we were married, which
went to keeping separate households. So our expenses were higher. After we
were married we made as a couple 2X per year to keep one household. Two *can*
live cheaper than one! So we were taxed more.
Now...had one of us made 2X per year while the other lived at home with
parents and made nothing, it would be different. While single, the one who
made 2X would be taxed at a higher rate since that person would only have one
dependant. However, upon getting married, the tax rate would drop since there
would be an additional person to consider and no additional money.
It all depends on where you start out looking at the figures. The system
is not inherently anti-family. It just looks that way if you glance at it
quickly.
keg