Excellent column in St. Paul MN paper. I used the information from it to write this reply to a friend who keeps bringing this up:
About those lazy slackers who pay no federal taxes. Check your returns over your adult life. You most likely were one. If Social Security and Medicare are “reformed” you certainly will be one.
Those who do not pay federal income tax have incomes below the threshold for taxes due and most are below 25 and above 65. They have “skin in the game” for most of their lives.
Below age 25 – they are students or hold entry level positions. They are working and striving to be middle class – saving to buy a home and be able to afford raising children. They will be paying federal taxes as their incomes increase, and paying for many years.
Over 65 – retired and living on a smaller income. At some point many rely most on Social Security. They have paid federal taxes for many years.
FACT: 90% of all individuals spend most of their adult lives paying federal income tax.
FACT: When Reagan signed the Tax Reform Act of 1986 he said, “Millions of working poor will be dropped from the tax rolls altogether.” It called it a “sweeping victory for fairness”. Apparently he had no problem with people not paying in times when their incomes were very low. Why do you?
http://www.twincities.com/lotterman/ci_19217960