Proposed Internet sales tax

[Heartnsoul]

An Internet Sales Tax might be coming our way !!

[BobnBev]

An Internet Sales Tax might be coming our way !!

And the sky might be falling
And the Earth might get hit by an asteroid
And their might be an alligator in your toilet
And............well, you get the idea:22yikes:

Don't worry about it till it happens....:throwtomatoes:

[Heartnsoul]

Being retired and on a Fixed income, I have to be concerned with any more taxes coming my way.

[JourneyOfLife]

Most states require sales tax whether the sale was made over the internet or in a local store.

That bill just empowers states to make sellers collect the tax and pay it to the states.

http://money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20130423&id=16383330&ocid=ansmony11

[blueash]

If you spend 1000 over the internet this will cost you perhaps 70 in taxes. Of course the option would be to get rid of sales taxes and instead increase income taxes. The former is regressive and the later is progressive - some like sales taxes better than income taxes.

[janmcn]

Companies such as Wal-Mart have always collected sales tax on internet sales. It is time for Amazon to step up to the plate and collect sales tax.

Those people concerned about the nation's debt should welcome any new revenue to pay down that debt.

If a person on a fixed income can't afford to pay the tax, perhaps they should stop shopping on the internet.

[buggyone]

Companies such as Wal-Mart have always collected sales tax on internet sales. It is time for Amazon to step up to the plate and collect sales tax.

Those people concerned about the nation's debt should welcome any new revenue to pay down that debt.

If a person on a fixed income can't afford to pay the tax, perhaps they should stop shopping on the internet.

Exactly right! Most states have a sales tax with only 5 states not having one. Nothing wrong with having sales over the Internet taxed - in fact, it is an excellent idea.

Pay down the national debt and tax all sales - gun show sales should be taxed at 50%! chilout

[JourneyOfLife]

If it passes, businesses will have to keep track of internet sales tax rates from customers in 50 states and hundreds of municipalities with local taxes. It's a nightmare, IMO.

Interstate commerce is governed by federal law. It is a state tax issue. The law just clears the way for states to require businesses to collect the tax (even if the business does not have a physical presence in the state). States already require companies to collect the sales tax if the company that sells the product has "any" presence in the state.

Companies are already doing it in states where they have a physical presence. IOW, most should already have the basic system (software and computer) in place.

The legislation would extend the authority of U.S. states to
online sales outside their physical borders, though it would not
require them to do so. It would exempt merchants with online
annual out-of-state sales of $1 million or less.

UPDATE 4-U.S. Senate votes to move forward on bill taxing Internet sales | Reuters (http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/04/22/usa-tax-internet-idUSL2N0D913720130422)

[Villages PL]

If it passes, businesses will have to keep track of internet sales tax rates from customers in 50 states and hundreds of municipalities with local taxes. It's a nightmare, IMO.

Brick and mortar stores collect sales taxes for the government, so why shouldn't the internet do the same? When I had my store in FL, I sold a trailer load of furniture to a man who was going to haul it back to Canada. Did I send those taxes to Canada? No, I sent the tax money to the state of FL.

So I don't understand why it's going to be a nightmare just because there are 50 states. If something is sold out of Florida, internet or otherwise, I would think the tax goes to Florida.

Brick and mortar stores have to compete with internet sales, so I think it's only fair that they both play by the same rules. Those who purchase on the internet should pay their fair share, in my opinion. No more free rides.

And I like the regressive tax aspect of it for the many who don't pay any income tax, and those who get tax credits. At least they will contribute something if they have to pay the sales tax.

[mulligan]

And the sales tax is voluntary

[Cantwaittoarrive]

I'm against taxes no matter what they are for or how they are collected.

[janmcn]

I'm against taxes no matter what they are for or how they are collected.

Hope you're not flying anytime soon as you could encounter three hour delays on the tarmac due to air traffic controller furloughs. Who knows if the food you're eating is safe? Do cuts to the military make you feel more safe?

Do you want your medicare claim processed in a timely manner? How about your social security check? How about your veteran's benefits? How about your tax refund?


All things people don't want to pay for, but scream to the high heavens when they are taken away.

[gomoho]

Hope you're not flying anytime soon as you could encounter three hour delays on the tarmac due to air traffic controller furloughs. Who knows if the food you're eating is safe? Do cuts to the military make you feel more safe?

Do you want your medicare claim processed in a timely manner? How about your social security check? How about your veteran's benefits? How about your tax refund?


All things people don't want to pay for, but scream to the high heavens when they are taken away.

I am willing to pay as long as I can be assured my money isn't being wasted and spent wisely to provide the service my tax dollars pay for. The problem is not paying the tax - it is seeing how it is then wasted.

[blueash]

I'm against taxes no matter what they are for or how they are collected.

Please get off the internet now. It is taxpayer funded and in large part was developed by military needs, another taxpayer funded organization. And stay off the streets, and don't use electricity, and I hope you have a private fire engine at the ready and personal security personnel. And I hope you don't get toxin filled water out of your pipes and perhaps your food will not be too contaminated. I have no idea what might end up in the pills you take, if you're on any pills, and good luck with your choice to opt out of taxes not matter what they are for or how they are collected.

[Golfingnut]

I save a lot of money buying off the internet, but I think I should be paying sales tax to Florida for it as I am using it here.

[jblum315]

this has been banging around for years and years and has never come to pass. I'm sure there are some powerful lobbyists who will make sure it doesn't.

[JourneyOfLife]

this has been banging around for years and years and has never come to pass. I'm sure there are some powerful lobbyists who will make sure it doesn't.

I wouldn't be too sure.

Even more powerful business interests (and their lobbyist) are on the other side of the issue.

They are tired of competing with companies that have a "sales" cost advantage.

There is no doubt... it will eventually pass. State governments also want it! They want the tax revenue.

[blueash]

Amazon is actually supporting this legislation. There is a requirement for software to make this as easy as possible. Keep in mind it will only apply to companies doing 1 million or more in internet sales. Get ready for the proliferation of spin off companies that annually stop sales at 999,999 and refer you to their sister corporation that has exactly the same deal available. The proposed legislation also requires the state to provide free software to the merchant to assist in the proper collection of taxes owed.

Interesting side-point for what it is worth about Amazon. They may be about to increase by a large number the physical warehouses around the country. Up until now the sales tax was only collected in those states where they have a warehouse and they kept that uncommon to avoid taxes. If they want to be able to get purchases to you faster they need more nearby warehouses which means more of their sales will be locally taxed. Voila, as long as Amazon is going to have to do the tax collecting they might as well sign on for everyone else to have to do the same. Big money talks.

Here is the text of the proposal
Bill Text - 112th Congress (2011-2012) - THOMAS (Library of Congress) (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:S.1832:)

[blueash]

I save a lot of money buying off the internet, but I think I should be paying sales tax to Florida for it as I am using it here.

Here is everything you need to comply

FL Dept Rev - Use Tax on Out-of-State Purchases (http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/taxes/consumer.html)

[jimbo2012]

Being an owner of retail stores and a Internet website, I see both sides.

As a online dealer it's great we offer low prices no taxes, as retail store we always have people come in asking to match the price on something, even if we match they scream that they still have to pay tax.

It hurts the retail store many times, this will level the playing field in several respects.

Now back to Internet sales, there are about 5,000 different tax codes for all the counties thru out the US, it is nightmare to manage all that and then mail checks to each taxing authority.

If there is a nationwide tax it should be flat rate not each county.

Sucks both ways, but the tax we feel is a better way to go.

[jimbo2012]

what does this have to do with internet sales tax guys, how about staying on topic.

[Gulfhills]

I thought we were promised our taxes wouldn�t be increased. How is this possible?

[Heartnsoul]

surprise you were promised alot of things

[Mikeod]

I thought we were promised our taxes wouldn�t be increased. How is this possible?

Because it is a tax you were already supposed to pay. FL and other states have a "use" tax that is supposed to be paid by the buyer on out of state purchases or Internet purchases when the state tax is not collected by the seller. So, technically, it is not a new or increased tax.

[allus70]

Here in NY we have been paying sales tax on items purchased online from Amazon and the other big boys for years.

[gomoho]

Because it is a tax you were already supposed to pay. FL and other states have a "use" tax that is supposed to be paid by the buyer on out of state purchases or Internet purchases when the state tax is not collected by the seller. So, technically, it is not a new or increased tax.

Just curious - do you pay this tax on internet purchases???

[Hal :-)]

Amazon is actually supporting this legislation. There is a requirement for software to make this as easy as possible. Keep in mind it will only apply to companies doing 1 million or more in internet sales. Get ready for the proliferation of spin off companies that annually stop sales at 999,999 and refer you to their sister corporation that has exactly the same deal available. The proposed legislation also requires the state to provide free software to the merchant to assist in the proper collection of taxes owed.

Interesting side-point for what it is worth about Amazon. They may be about to increase by a large number the physical warehouses around the country. Up until now the sales tax was only collected in those states where they have a warehouse and they kept that uncommon to avoid taxes. If they want to be able to get purchases to you faster they need more nearby warehouses which means more of their sales will be locally taxed. Voila, as long as Amazon is going to have to do the tax collecting they might as well sign on for everyone else to have to do the same. Big money talks.

Here is the text of the proposal
Bill Text - 112th Congress (2011-2012) - THOMAS (Library of Congress) (http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c112:S.1832:)

Right. Walmart and other big retail promoted collecting tax on internet sales. But it may backfire. Amazon didn't initially jump on it, but ultimately went along for two reasons. They're planning sameday delivery with warehouses near major metro areas. That'll give brick & mortar's some stiff competition. Secondly, the paperwork involved in collecting, reporting, and submitting the tax is costly for small retailers and will limit their competition.

One million in sales doesn't seem like much to me. I recall reading that the Angry Birds app was earning $8 million a month in the early days. That's really an interesting one because the app was free. Many apps are just 99 cents and would be required to collect 5, 6, 7, 8 cents, depending where it was purchase, and do the paperwork for 50 different states.

It's so inefficient. I agree with someone's thought of eliminating sales tax in favor of income taxes. Simplify everything. How's this sound, replace the income tax with a wage tax for all employees. In an ideal world, the exact amount of tax owed would be withheld from a paycheck and April 15th is just paper work. The employee never received the money, the employer actually paid the tax. So, why not replace the income tax for employees and with a tax on wages paid by employers. Bingo, 100 million few returns to process. What do you think?

[asianthree]

so far i have been charged tax on everything i order so its not a change for when we move full time

[graciegirl]

Does anyone want to talk about ebay? Which to some sellers is like a garage sale and to others is a huge business, certainly into the millions yearly?

[jimbo2012]

ebay small time folks R not authorized to collect tax likely, the big sellers and there R many can do it but Ebay would need to have their program add the tax.

so now ebay adds the tax how does the seller repay the state?

Ebay recogizing how this will hurt their sales said "Auction site eBay is lobbying to expand the small business exemption to $10 million."

Read more: http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/295629-internet-tax-supporters-promise-to-allow-amendments#ixzz2RTJRc1XP
Follow us: @thehill on Twitter | TheHill on Facebook

[blueash]

ebay small time folks R not authorized to collect tax likely, the big sellers and there R many can do it but Ebay would need to have their program add the tax.

so now ebay adds the tax how does the seller repay the state?

Ebay recogizing how this will hurt their sales said "Auction site eBay is lobbying to expand the small business exemption to $10 million."

Read more: Internet tax supporters promise to allow amendments - The Hill's Hillicon Valley (http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/295629-internet-tax-supporters-promise-to-allow-amendments#ixzz2RTJRc1XP)
Follow us: @thehill on Twitter | TheHill on Facebook


I'm sure the EBay folk understand this better than I, but it is not clear to me how this would affect them. Ebay doesn't seem to sell anything it just acts as a conduit. They don't even collect any payments. Ebay seems more like the for sale posts here on TOTV. You do see listings on Ebay that say tax is due if the bidder lives in Calif or wherever the seller is located so apparently some system already exists to add tax when it is required and it is the seller, not Ebay, who calculates the payment due. I do have to laugh at the idea that we should call it a small business until it sells over 10 million a year. According to the bill's sponsors in the link you provided, as written with a 1 million exemption it will only hit 1000 businesses. I wonder how few it would be at 10 million.

[blueash]

I thought we were promised our taxes wouldn�t be increased. How is this possible?

In addition to the correct response already posted that this is not a new tax nor an increase, I am very certain that both parties clearly have stated that a goal is the elimination of loopholes and going after tax avoidance schemes. Seems to be they are trying to do exactly what they promised.

[Bogie Shooter]

It seems the small business man who has a brick and mortor location is at a disadvantage to the online sellers.
I go to his store and buy a $100 item and pay $7.00 in sales tax or go on line and buy the same item for $100, no tax and free shipping. This business man will eventually, and are, going out of business.
This change in the law will help even the playing field.

[gomoho]

In addition to the correct response already posted that this is not a new tax nor an increase, I am very certain that both parties clearly have stated that a goal is the elimination of loopholes and going after tax avoidance schemes. Seems to be they are trying to do exactly what they promised.

Except these are state not federal taxes.

[blueash]

Being an owner of retail stores and a Internet website, I see both sides.

As a online dealer it's great we offer low prices no taxes, as retail store we always have people come in asking to match the price on something, even if we match they scream that they still have to pay tax.

It hurts the retail store many times, this will level the playing field in several respects.

Now back to Internet sales, there are about 5,000 different tax codes for all the counties thru out the US, it is nightmare to manage all that and then mail checks to each taxing authority.

If there is a nationwide tax it should be flat rate not each county.

Sucks both ways, but the tax we feel is a better way to go.


The bill requires that any state which chooses to implement a requirement for collecting this tax also provide for free the software needed to simplify the merchants job in correctly managing the amount of tax... From the bill:

(D) Provide--
(i) adequate software and services to remote sellers and single and consolidated providers that identifies the applicable destination rate, including the State and local sales tax rate (if any), to be applied on sales sourced to the State,

I would think this could be as simple as an app where the seller enters the charges and the zip code for shipping and it gives the correct additional sales tax to be added.

Additionally it is very clear that the merchant is required to remit the total tax to a single entity in the state not to each locality. The state would be responsible for distribution to each locality.

(A) Provide--
(i) a single State-level agency to administer all sales and use tax laws, including the collection and administration of all State and applicable locality sales and use taxes for all sales sourced to the State made by remote sellers

I do foresee the possibility of companies adding tax and never remitting it to the state. I know that already occurs with brick and mortar companies.

[jimbo2012]

It would be a bookkeeping PIA, 50 tax returns a month????

It's bad enough doing one now.

[jimbo2012]

I'm sure the EBay folk understand this better than I, but it is not clear to me how this would affect them. Ebay doesn't seem to sell anything it just acts as a conduit. They don't even collect any payments. Ebay seems more like the for sale posts here on TOTV. n.

Ebay collect all the money, who do you think owns Paypal?

Ebay takes a 15% commission out of every sale, they absolutely collect the money.

[blueash]

Ebay collect all the money, who do you think owns Paypal?

Ebay takes a 15% commission out of every sale, they absolutely collect the money.

I don't think this really is the topic of the thread, but Paypal was bought by Ebay in 2002. Ebay and Paypal existed as separate businesses well before that. Ebay encourages the use of Paypal but many sellers on Ebay will accept other forms of payment. "PayPal is an acquirer, performing payment processing for online vendors, auction sites, and other commercial users, for which it charges a fee." Many online companies other than Ebay also use paypal as a payment option.

The seller places a product on the Ebay website and pays Ebay for the use of the website to place the object up for sale. When the object sells the seller and buyer have to come to an agreement on how the product will be paid as listed on the site this may include:

PayPal, Bill Me Later ,Credit cards and debit cards, Skrill, ProPay, Pay upon pickup, Escrow, Other payment methods

So Ebay collects a listing fee from the seller as well as usually 10% not 15% of the sales price. If it makes any money from Paypal which it certainly does, that is not from selling a product. Again, given this business model it is not clear to me why Ebay would be involved in the collection of sales taxes although I understand why they may wish to represent their sellers in the discussion

[jimbo2012]

If it's not clear it's because U may not be a volume online seller, your facts R a bit incorrect.

Amazon and ebay are and will be responsible for sales tax collection where applicable.

I've been doing this since 1997. I really don't wish to debate this with U.

[Big47moe]

I have homes in Delaware and The Villages and Delaware has 0% sales tax. With all the government waste and tax loop holes don't you think that a flat tax on consumption would even the revenue stream for the government and make it a more fair system? Internet sales taxes would be equal for those who purchase no matter where you live or have products delivered!

[memason]

When I lived in Japan, they had a 5% consumption tax on everything. Even if you had something shipped from the States or elsewhere, customs would tack on the 5%. In Europe (specifically in Germany), they have the Value Added Tax (VAT), which is currently 19% on almost everything you consume.

However, both these countries have far more taxes than the US. Consumption tax is just another tax, just like the internet tax would be....no tax relief in either.

[EdV]

There is a much simpler way to tax Internet sales without the million dollar exception and the burden on sellers or buyers.

The simplest way is to make the tax law apply to online credit/debit card purchases. You see, every business that accepts a payment by credit card will use an online credit card processing company. So they could pass a law that requires these processing companies to deduct the sales tax at the time of processing and credit the net after tax amount to the seller. Only the card processing companies would be required to track and reimburse the states appropriately.

And one of the biggest card processing companies is PayPal. Every mom and pop online merchant or e-bay seller that uses them would automatically be covered without having to change a thing or report any sales tax activity at all.

[janmcn]

This bill has been shelved until after the senate comes back from next week's vacation.

[Bogie Shooter]

I don't think this really is the topic of the thread, but Paypal was bought by Ebay in 2002. Ebay and Paypal existed as separate businesses well before that. Ebay encourages the use of Paypal but many sellers on Ebay will accept other forms of payment. "PayPal is an acquirer, performing payment processing for online vendors, auction sites, and other commercial users, for which it charges a fee." Many online companies other than Ebay also use paypal as a payment option.

The seller places a product on the Ebay website and pays Ebay for the use of the website to place the object up for sale. When the object sells the seller and buyer have to come to an agreement on how the product will be paid as listed on the site this may include:

PayPal, Bill Me Later ,Credit cards and debit cards, Skrill, ProPay, Pay upon pickup, Escrow, Other payment methods

So Ebay collects a listing fee from the seller as well as usually 10% not 15% of the sales price. If it makes any money from Paypal which it certainly does, that is not from selling a product. Again, given this business model it is not clear to me why Ebay would be involved in the collection of sales taxes although I understand why they may wish to represent their sellers in the discussion

Ebay charges a final value fee on the selling price plus shipping of 10%. Pay pal charges a fee on selling price and shipping of 3% plus $.30 per transaction.

[Indydealmaker]

Brick and mortar stores collect sales taxes for the government, so why shouldn't the internet do the same? When I had my store in FL, I sold a trailer load of furniture to a man who was going to haul it back to Canada. Did I send those taxes to Canada? No, I sent the tax money to the state of FL.

So I don't understand why it's going to be a nightmare just because there are 50 states. If something is sold out of Florida, internet or otherwise, I would think the tax goes to Florida.

Brick and mortar stores have to compete with internet sales, so I think it's only fair that they both play by the same rules. Those who purchase on the internet should pay their fair share, in my opinion. No more free rides.

And I like the regressive tax aspect of it for the many who don't pay any income tax, and those who get tax credits. At least they will contribute something if they have to pay the sales tax.
The sales tax goes to the state in which the buyer takes shipment. It is going to be a nightmare for smaller online businesses. For instance, sales to California would require withholding State tax plus taxes for one of 25 other taxing districts.

As far as fairness goes, online shopper pay shipping which is most often equivalent to the sales tax amount. Parity is already in place. Even when shipping is paid by seller, it is built into the price.

Brick and mortar stores will not see an increase in sales from this. The government may see an increase in income, but those that think the U.S. debt will decrease are dreaming.

[NoMoSno]

The sales tax goes to the state in which the buyer takes shipment. It is going to be a nightmare for smaller online businesses. For instance, sales to California would require withholding State tax plus taxes for one of 25 other taxing districts.

As far as fairness goes, online shopper pay shipping which is most often equivalent to the sales tax amount. Parity is already in place. Even when shipping is paid by seller, it is built into the price.

Brick and mortar stores will not see an increase in sales from this. The government may see an increase in income, but those that think the U.S. debt will decrease are dreaming.

I agree...

[blueash]

Ebay charges a final value fee on the selling price plus shipping of 10%. Pay pal charges a fee on selling price and shipping of 3% plus $.30 per transaction.

Actually the history of why they charge the selling fee as the total of the bid plus the shipping is simple. People figured out that one way to avoid the fee when it was just based on the bid price was to list an item worth say $50 and list the shipping at $40. Then the winning bid would be only $10 and the seller would pay his 10% of the $10 or a big one dollar. Ebay figured that scam out and made the fee due on the total charge including shipping.

[blueash]

If it's not clear it's because U may not be a volume online seller, your facts R a bit incorrect.

Amazon and ebay are and will be responsible for sales tax collection where applicable.

I've been doing this since 1997. I really don't wish to debate this with U.

Ebay makes it very clear on its website who is responsible for collection and remittance to the taxing authority of any sales or use tax. It is the seller, not Ebay.
eBay: Member Workshop: Sales Tax, Use Tax (http://workshops.ebay.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1000521472)

here is what the CEO of EBay has to say:EBay CEO Donahoe: Exempt Small Businesses From Internet Sales Tax (http://www.newsmax.com/Newsfront/ebay-donahoe-internet-tax/2013/04/23/id/500960)

"He cited the case of Colleen Rast, who employs three people in a clothes-selling business in Kallispell, Mont. Under the bill, she who would have to deal with the laws of more than 9,600 tax jurisdictions across the country, he claimed.

�It would create costly paperwork and accounting burdens and subject her to potential audits and litigation from tax collectors in states that are more than 1,000 miles away from where she lives and works,� Donahoe said.


Note he says that Ms Rast has the burden of collecting the tax. Nothing here about Ebay doing anything in regard to tax collection. But I do understand why you don't wish to debate the question. so done

[laddan]

If you spend 1000 over the internet this will cost you perhaps 70 in taxes. Of course the option would be to get rid of sales taxes and instead increase income taxes. The former is regressive and the later is progressive - some like sales taxes better than income taxes.

what would be wrong with lowering taxes, and cutting spending, just sayin

[OnTrack]

what would be wrong with lowering taxes, and cutting spending, just sayin

Most people agree with that simple premise.

It's "what" should be cut...... that causes the problems.

Since Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid and defense spending makes up about 65% of the budget..would you be for cutting those?

It really boils down to whose ox is getting gored. :shrug:

.

[TrudyM]

Brick and mortar stores collect sales taxes for the government, so why shouldn't the internet do the same? When I had my store in FL, I sold a trailer load of furniture to a man who was going to haul it back to Canada. Did I send those taxes to Canada? No, I sent the tax money to the state of FL.

So I don't understand why it's going to be a nightmare just because there are 50 states. If something is sold out of Florida, internet or otherwise, I would think the tax goes to Florida.

Brick and mortar stores have to compete with internet sales, so I think it's only fair that they both play by the same rules. Those who purchase on the internet should pay their fair share, in my opinion. No more free rides.

And I like the regressive tax aspect of it for the many who don't pay any income tax, and those who get tax credits. At least they will contribute something if they have to pay the sales tax.

If you had shipped the goods for the customer to Canada he would have saved the sales tax. No state sales tax charged on items shipped out of state doesn't matter if it is from a brick and mortar or an internet warehouse . I have managed retail in Hawaii, Washington, Florida, New Hampshire and Kansas and all ship to's sent by the store out of state had no state sales tax collected unless laws were changed recently no tax should be collected unless the person purchased the stuff and shipped it himself. When I had customers buying expensive stuff from me when on vacation I would always figure out the sales tax versus the cost of shipping and give them the option.

Re Sales tax at stores location instead of destination that doesn't work IMHO.
Ok so Amazon has it's offices in Seattle you want to pay 10% tax on all purchases from Amazon. It has a system that ships from whatever warehouse can get it to you the fastest so would the sales tax go to the state that has the warehouse so you wouldn't know what you are paying until the item is shipped. It has to be none or the receipt location (the ship to) that is all that works. Also those of you relating this to national debt sales tax at the regional level has no affect on federal debt. Saying the alternative is state income tax doesn't work as the largest online retailer in the world is in a no income tax state. Or am I missing something

[OnTrack]

The fact that we are spending $1.40 for every $1.00 received in revenue means that there shouldn't be any sacred cows in the budget, IMO.

I'll bet you hear a bunch of sacred cow bawling around here, should SS and/or Medicare/Medicaid get cut. :D

.

[buggyone]

[QUOTE=OnTrack;668128]I'll bet you hear a bunch of sacred cow bawling around here, should SS and/or Medicare/Medicaid get cut.

I would be in favor of different threshold levels for Social Security retirement benefits based on other income (means qualifications) as well as for Medicare benefits.

(Any idea what kind of animal is in my "avatar")

[OnTrack]

Any idea what kind of animal is in my "avatar")

Lynx?

.

[buggyone]

Lynx?

.


Decent guess - but, no. It is a Red Panda. Photo taken at the Washington DC National Zoo when I volunteered there. Lots of fun on that job.