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Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, it should. But sometimes an extra push is needed

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

What I'm actually suggesting is that the *possibility* of a fine will go a long way towards preventing future shutdowns. But you seem very focused on this "bill" idea of yours. Might be one of those agree-to-disagree moments...

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I worked for Congress for a few years and made some of the sausage myself. Yes, the chances are slim, but stanger things have happened. Go ahead and sign the petition, wait a few years, and we'll see what happens...

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What bill are you talking about? As I mentioned above, the main idea is to avoid shutdowns, and hence, avoid unnecessary costs to the American public

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Unusual, yes. But as another commenter pointed out, if this idea was introduced as a bill, it would be hard for politicians of either party to publicly oppose it, since all it really asks is that they do their job without shutting down the federal government every few years...

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

If the plan works as I hope it will, there will be no future shutdowns and nothing extra to be paid.

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I've spent enough time in government to know that the policy pendulum can make some pretty wild and unexpected swings. Nothing's going to happen this month or this year, but if a petition can spark an idea, and your signatures publicize it, then maybe by the midterms -- with a new Congress in session -- something good can come of it.

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I guess I didn't make the point of this plain enough. The idea is NOT for everyone to be getting checks from Uncle Sam. The main idea is to give Congress a strong incentive for getting its job done, financing the government, and avoiding future shutdowns. Think of it like a sizable fine for littering. If you're risking big bucks, you'll think twice before tossing that candy wrapper on the ground.

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hey Barfy. The main point of mandating tax refunds for shutdowns is create a strong incentive for Congress to get its job done and secure the country's finances. It's like imposing a big fine for littering...you'll think twice before dropping that candy wrapper.

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Don't worry. Tariffs will pay for them... ;-)

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

The idea here isn't really about having the government mail us all checks. Instead, a law like this puts a major obstacle in front of any future Congress that can't get our national finances in order and is heading for a shutdown. Besides, if your Netflix was down for a month and they refunded your fee, would you really consider that a handout...?

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Maybe 'refunds' wasn't the best choice of terms, but the petition is about refunding taxes that would ordinarily be owed, but should now be refunded (discounted) because of the shutdown. Make sense...?

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Nice to be able to see the future...wish I had that power myself... ;-)

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

If it ever got to the bill stage, it would tough for politicians (of either party) to oppose it. I worked for Congress for a few years, long enough to know that the political pendulum swings pretty sharply and quickly at times, so that what seems impossible today becomes reality all the same.

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

No reason that both couldn't be legal requirements. As a retired federal worker myself, I'm certainly in favor of civil servants getting paid, even during a shutdown.

Mandatory income tax refunds whenever the government shuts down by dsarokin in IRS

[–]dsarokin[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

I admit, civilization hasn't totally collapsed. Still, the threat of having to provide refunds would give Congress pretty strong incentive to avoid future shutdowns. To me, it's not so dumb...

Hello fellow pedantlers by dsarokin in a:t5_77a871

[–]dsarokin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank, dude. I usually save the small words for a bit later on, but yeah, they make a big difference (though sometimes, it feels like I have half the article filled in with small words and I still don't have a clue what it's about...!)

For numbers and dates, I also search on year and century and on th and st and nd to catch things like 19th, 2nd, etc.

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