"Struggling taxpayers punished by IRS liens, watchdog warns; Annual survey also backs a push to simplify rules" by Stephen Ohlemacher, Associated Press / January 6, 2011
WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service is tormenting struggling taxpayers in the midst of a slumping economy by increasing the number of liens the agency has filed, a government watchdog told Congress yesterday....
A BANKRUPT EMPIRE grabbing for ANYTHING IT CAN GET!
This is FASCISM, folks!
Liens punish taxpayers and often hurt their ability to pay back taxes, Nina E. Olson, the national taxpayer advocate, said in her annual report to Congress.
“By filing a lien against a taxpayer with no money and no assets, the IRS often collects nothing, yet it inflicts long-term harm on the taxpayer by making it harder for him to get back on his feet when he does get a job,’’ said Olson, an independent watchdog within the IRS.
Meanwhile FRAUDULENT BANKS get BAILED OUT by the SAME TAXPAYERS!
The IRS responded that liens are not filed until taxpayers are given numerous opportunities to pay their tax bills or sign up for payment plans.
IRS spokeswoman Michelle Eldridge said the agency has taken steps to help taxpayers....
Yeah, the IRS is your friend!
Under the health care law, the IRS will also be in charge of imposing penalties on people who do not buy health insurance.
That is not going to good for America's blood pressure.
Olson warned that the IRS will need more staff and money to take on the new responsibilities, which could become an issue in Congress, where the new Republican majority in the House has vowed to repeal the health overhaul. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that the IRS will need an additional $5 billion to $10 billion over the next 10 years.
Using your own tax money to screw you.
Regarding the tax code, Olson called on Congress to remove special-interest breaks, make the rules easier to obey, and detail how the money is spent....
Just wondering why we needed the CUT and REWRITES:
"In our view, the existing tax system perpetuates the sense of distance that many taxpayers feel from their government. We also believe that providing taxpayers with a 'taxpayer receipt' showing how their tax dollars are being spent could help bridge the disconnect by allowing taxpayers to see concretely what benefits they are receiving in exchange for their tax dollar."
Or MAKE IT WORSE when they find out ALL THEIR MONEY is going for wars, Wall Street, and Israel because the American taxpayers are RECEIVING NOTHING but HARASSMENT from this government!
And you can SEE WHY THIS ARTICLE needed to be altered, right?
That is NOT A GOOD IDEA to the AGENDA-PUSHING, MOUTHPIECE MEDIA!
Tax liens give the federal government a claim on property to help secure payment of back taxes.
The BANKS TAKE YOUR HOMES and the GOVERNMENT TAKES the REST!
They are filed publicly for tax debts that are deemed uncollectable, alerting creditors and others that taxpayers owe back taxes.
IRS spokesman Terry Lemons, however, said taxpayers get multiple opportunities to apply for an extension, enroll in a payment plan, or even apply for a program that allows some taxpayers to pay less than the full amount they owe.
"Before you get to a lien, you're going to have many communications from the IRS," Lemons said. "You'll have multiple opportunities to talk to us."
Now PAY UP!
--more--"
Related: Only the Little People Pay Taxes
That must be where the money is. Hell of a lot more of them.
"New formula finds more Americans in poverty; Health costs push tally to 47 million" by Hope Yen, Associated Press / January 6, 2011
WASHINGTON — The number of poor people in the United States in 2009 was millions higher than previously known, with 1 in 6 Americans — many of them 65 and older — struggling in poverty due to rising medical care and other costs, according to preliminary census figures released yesterday....
But BANKERS, WAR-PROFITEERS, ISRAEL, and POLITICAL PERKS are WELL TAKEN CARE OF!!
At the same time, government aid programs such as tax credits and food stamps kept many people out of poverty....
Yeah, the government has really served you well, Americans.
--more--"
Better start looking for a job:
"2 chains sharpen their axes; BJ’s will shed 500 jobs, close five stores, reorganize managers’ ranks" by Jenn Abelson, Globe Staff / January 6, 2011
BJ’s Wholesale Club Inc., under renewed speculation that it will go private, yesterday disclosed plans to shutter five stores, slash nearly 500 jobs, and shuffle senior management....
The changes at BJ’s were unveiled days after the New York Post reported that a Los Angeles private equity firm, Leonard Green & Partners LP, which took a 9.5 percent stake in BJ’s in July, could launch a hostile bid to buy the company if it does not move forward with an auction soon....
Leonard Green, which has investments in retail chains such as Sports Authority and Whole Foods, did not return messages yesterday seeking comment....
Someone is getting a BJ, readers.
--more--"
Related:
"Shaw’s Supermarkets Inc. is planning to close five unprofitable stores in Massachusetts and Rhode Island by Feb. 17, affecting hundreds of workers....
What about their customers? No mention of them.
--more--"
Also see: Shaw's Strike Settled
You guys got screwed.
