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Barbara's avatar

…but with all those agencies gutted and programs cancelled, where’s our tax money going?

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Jessica Weingarten's avatar

The amount they've cut is a minor portion of what the government spends. I think that the largest line item, exclusive of Social Security, Medicare, Veterans Benefits, CHIP and related programs is the amount spent on the debt. They have repatriated a lot of monies they threatened to get, for example, $2.1 billion to Pennsylvania (because Josh sued) for environmental programs.

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Black n' Blue's avatar

Thank you for this post. I often feel like the government is "ripping me off," but this post is a good reminder of what those taxes are used for. Thank you. (But also, I am not thrilled with being asked to pay $8,000 at tax time when it's something I don't have. Yes, you can pay in installments, but correct me if I'm wrong, I think you also pay interest.) I wish there were a better way of knowing what you would pay in advance so you can adjust your withholdings moving forward. Right now, I just keep increasing my federal withholdings, hoping it covers enough to reduce any exorbitant tax bill I get.

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Jessica Weingarten's avatar

There is no interest on estimated tax payments. There IS interest if you don't pay the full amount by 15 April. If you pay withholdings on a W-2 job, use this link to determine your estimate: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/tax-withholding-estimator

It will not be as accurate if you have multiple W-2 jobs, or if you have unknown 1099 income. Also if you're required to pay the Alternative Minimum Tax.

The best thing to do is to sit down with a tax accountant. Hope this helps!

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Richard Weingarten's avatar

I do pay quite a bit quarterly but am often badly surprised with a substantial final total still due.

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Jessica Weingarten's avatar

Do you want the contact information for my accountant? She tells me in the beginning of the year how much to pay quarterly. Also -- I can give you the name of a "tax planner" who looks at the most tax-advantaged way to spend down retirement savings.

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Richard Weingarten's avatar

Tanks for the offer but not at all necessary. I am doing fine, but one cannot predict how the Markets function creating capital gains and unanticipated dividends and interest. With der Fuehrer in charge, unfortunately that may not be a problem.

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Tim Dineen's avatar

While we're at it... since fraud is illegal and President Elmo claims he has found billions in fraud, why hasn't anyone been charged with a crime?

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Jessica Weingarten's avatar

They actually have not found ONE RED CENT. NOT ONE.

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Richard Weingarten's avatar

I'm on your side even though the bite at the end of the tax year is painful.

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Jessica Weingarten's avatar

Pay quarterly, it hurts less <smile, wink>

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