[lucysmom]

And if you have an employer then did you ask him what he paid in taxes on your behalf (not just his half of SS/Medicare but unemployment tax, wage tax etc...)

My employer pays unemployment taxes for the privilege of laying me off. If he manages his business well, he gets a refund. (Actually, I'm self-employed)

The employer has other choices, he can hire me as a contractor and avoid payroll taxes. Doesn't that make those taxes voluntary?

[balrog666]

The employer has other choices, he can hire me as a contractor and avoid payroll taxes. Doesn't that make those taxes voluntary?

Actually, no. The IRS rules essentially say "it if looks like an employee and acts like an emplyee, it is an employee, and the payroll taxes are due".

Besides, there are better ways to get around payroll taxes. ;^)

[socialismisinsidious]

No. Not every small business is an accountant service and many do not have the ability to hire contractors. In any event, in the end, it boils down to being about freedom.