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2/4/2008
Ok, that's enough. No more lines on the tax form
When the Super Bowl is all said and done (wow, what a great game!), tax season is staring us right square in the face.
Ok, it’s surely not the most serious problem I have with the Individual State Income Tax (don’t get me started…) – but one of the things that bugs me after I get through the minefield of US Government interest, municipal interest, subtractions, additions, all those possible credits, and then the state AMT – are all the possible ways a taxpayer can spend his refund! For years, and up until not too long ago, we had only to run up against a single “donation” line – the Endangered Resources Fund. Now you can make a donation to six additional charities in the comfort of your own tax form! - Packers football stadium (first appeared on 2004 Form 1)
- Breast cancer research (2004)
- Veterans trust fund (2005)
- Multiple sclerosis (2006)
- Firefighters memorial (2006)
- Prostate cancer research (2006)
Who decides all that stuff? Why not the Red Cross? Or The United Way? Or Habitat for Humanity? Or why not Little League Baseball?
So heck, I suppose it’s as good a time as any to propose adding a new line to the tax form. What’s one more? In November, Representative Suzanne Jeskewitz (R-Menomonee Falls) introduced legislation that would create an … income tax checkoff [here we go again…] for designations to the foster youth scholarship fund, which is a fund established under the bill for the purpose of awarding scholarships to defray the cost of tuition, fees, and expenses for foster youths, as defined in the bill, enrolled in certain postsecondary educational programs.
The new checkoff, if approved, is expected to raise $127,100 the first year, for youth scholarships, but donations for the other 7 charities may very well decrease. From the AB 573’s Fiscal Estimate: Historical data show that the introduction of a new check-off is generally associated with an increase in total donations and a decrease in donations to previously existing check-offs. For example, the Breast Cancer Research check-off was added to individual income tax forms in 2004 and raised $330,000. Donations to previously existing funds decreased by $150,000. In tax year 2005, the Veterans Trust Fund check-off was added to individual income tax forms and raised $130,000 . Donations to the other check-off funds decreased during that year by $110,000.
I know Rep. Jeskewitz and her 14 co-signers are very well-intentioned – and I’m sure a need exists for those foster youth scholarships.
Yes, surely the existing 7 non-profits appearing on Wisconsin Form 1 are worthy charities. But dang it. Is this the government’s job? I think not – and I think it’s time to say “Enough already” with donation solicitations run through a government form. It’s surely not the way I prefer to do my giving...
COMMENTS
Right on Jo. Now wouldn't it be interesting if we could check off what we don't want our taxes going to! Theoretically of course.
dave allen (Mon Feb 04 07:14:26 2008)
Great. Yes, of course. I love it.
Jo E. (Mon Feb 04 07:35:22 2008)
Jo, another excellent blog.
Are we going to hear a Presidential endorsement from you prior to "Super Tuesday"?
Dale (Mon Feb 04 07:54:44 2008)
I have to agree on this one. The charities seem arbitrary and appear for the sake of a vested interest or special consideration.
Lon Ponschock (Mon Feb 04 13:24:31 2008)
Wyat makes you think that Jeskewitz is "good-hearted"?
She is a ninny-nanny busybody and a Big Big Big Government (R.)
Other than that,...
L A Stich (Wed Feb 06 20:24:51 2008)
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