Steve Rogers (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
heroic_jawline) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
fandomhigh2017-10-06 03:55 pm
heroic_jawline) wrote in fandomhigh2017-10-06 03:55 pm
Entry tags:
Civics, Friday, October 6, 2017
"Alright, we know tomorrow is the start of vacation and Friday is bad for an attention span regardless, but we do still have a class today," Tony said. "It's about taxes. Don't worry, we brought coffee."
You might need it.
So much coffee.
"So the government--at the federal, state, and local levels--provides services to its population," Steve said. "And in order to do that, they need money. Schools don't build themselves, roads don't fix themselves, militaries don't arm themselves. If you come from a world where they do, um, see us after class?"
Tell them your secrets of a perfect egalitarian society. Or despotic one. That could also be it.
Tony nodded along with Steve's explanation. "So, to gather revenue for those services, the government levies taxes. A tax would be a charge added onto goods or services that is set aside for the government. You will pay taxes on property--usually going to local schools and libraries, gas to pay for roads... things like that. "
"The tax code in the United States could fill up a room," Steve said, "and it is considered ridiculously complicated. When April comes around, there will be a lot of income tax jokes because everyone files their taxes at that time and you either give the government more money if you owe some, or they send you back a nice check, which is better."
"Or you pay an accountant or... twenty to do the taxes for you," Tony said, coughing a little to cover up the twenty thing. "If you donate to charities, you get a tax write off. Charities and religious institutions are tax exempt. Which is good if they're legitimate in helping people. Less so if they're, say, Scientology."
He was going to get sued.
He was totally going to get sued. "Now do you think taxes should exist? Should everyone pay them? Should only the rich people pay them? How much of their money should they have to give? These are questions that come up all the time, and should be constantly re-examined. Since you're the next generation of taxpayers--or not, depending on your income level--we want to hear your thoughts." Steve smiled around the room.
You might need it.
So much coffee.
"So the government--at the federal, state, and local levels--provides services to its population," Steve said. "And in order to do that, they need money. Schools don't build themselves, roads don't fix themselves, militaries don't arm themselves. If you come from a world where they do, um, see us after class?"
Tell them your secrets of a perfect egalitarian society. Or despotic one. That could also be it.
Tony nodded along with Steve's explanation. "So, to gather revenue for those services, the government levies taxes. A tax would be a charge added onto goods or services that is set aside for the government. You will pay taxes on property--usually going to local schools and libraries, gas to pay for roads... things like that. "
"The tax code in the United States could fill up a room," Steve said, "and it is considered ridiculously complicated. When April comes around, there will be a lot of income tax jokes because everyone files their taxes at that time and you either give the government more money if you owe some, or they send you back a nice check, which is better."
"Or you pay an accountant or... twenty to do the taxes for you," Tony said, coughing a little to cover up the twenty thing. "If you donate to charities, you get a tax write off. Charities and religious institutions are tax exempt. Which is good if they're legitimate in helping people. Less so if they're, say, Scientology."
He was going to get sued.
He was totally going to get sued. "Now do you think taxes should exist? Should everyone pay them? Should only the rich people pay them? How much of their money should they have to give? These are questions that come up all the time, and should be constantly re-examined. Since you're the next generation of taxpayers--or not, depending on your income level--we want to hear your thoughts." Steve smiled around the room.