Posted on 08/17/2024 8:35:49 AM PDT by RandFan
January 31, 2012
"Ending taxes on tips will give workers a pay raise, letting them keep more money to put toward a house or car payment, retirement, or their own and/or their children's education." — Ron Paul
HENDERSON, Nevada — 2012 Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul authored an op-ed in the Las Vegas Sun newspaper. The piece arguing for an end to federal taxes on gratuities for tips-earning wage earners was published in today's print and online edition.
There are more than 300,000 service-industry workers in Nevada, according to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation. These workers comprise nearly 30 percent of the entire state workforce, larger than any other sector.
Ron Paul: Stop taxing tips
By Ron Paul
During any presidential election year, taxes are sure to be a large part of the debate. That's especially true during these tough economic times.
One side argues that high-income earners aren't taxed enough and advocates higher taxes on this group to balance our budget and get our economy moving.
The other side argues that taxes are too high and advocates for lower taxes on businesses, high-income earners and virtually all Americans as a way to stimulate our economy.
But there's one sector of American workers who are often overlooked by both sides during the never-ending debate on taxes.
That's service-industry workers, who, despite often being underpaid and overworked, are always overtaxed.
According to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation, there are more than 300,000 service-industry workers in Nevada — nearly 30 percent of the entire state workforce, which is larger than any other sector.
The truth is the majority of service-industry workers are paid low hourly wages and are expected to earn the rest of their income from tips. However, unlike regular wages, a service-sector employee usually has no guarantee of, or legal right to, a tip. Instead, the amount of a tip usually depends on how well an employee satisfies a client. But even good service doesn't always guarantee a tip — especially during tough economic times.
Not only that, but tips provide a substantial portion of the income of many service-sector employees, many of whom are young people just trying to make a few extra dollars to get through school or single parents often balancing two jobs while trying to make enough to raise a family.
That's why it's an outrage that waiters, waitresses and other service-sector employees have to pay taxes on the tips they earn. And to add insult to injury, the IRS makes an estimate of how much service-sector workers will make in tips and taxes them on it even if the taxpayer did not actually earn as much as the IRS estimate!
This is a serious problem that must be addressed, but I'm the only candidate running for president who is working hard to fix this problem.
In fact, I've introduced the Tax Free Tips Act in Congress, which would exempt tips from federal income and payroll taxes, meaning no more taxes on tips. That's because I understand ending taxes on tips will give these workers a pay raise, letting them keep more money to put toward things like a house or car payment, their retirement, or their own and/or their children's education.
If elected president, I will end this injustice on service-industry workers all across our nation by abolishing all taxes on tips once and for all.
Helping Americans improve themselves by reducing their taxes will make our country — and our economy — stronger. I think that's something we all agree must happen if we are to fix our economy and get America back on track.
Very interesting and Ron Paul deserves credit.
Rep. Thomas Massie has the bill in the House and credits Ron.
Is Ron Paul the best president America never had?
ping
Yep, I remember. Thank you...
“Is Ron Paul the best president America never had? “
Absolutely. The big government war mongers refused to open their minds to the true words and ideology he was sharing.
No, because he wasn’t on board with the total government take over, the wars etc so no one saw fit to give him any visibility. Trump found a way to break into the narrative but that has come at the cost of more than half the country forever hating you and refusing to listen to you. Ahead of their time
https://www.congress.gov/bill/112th-congress/house-bill/1139/all-actions
our republic’s founders had it right
no federal income taxes
Let’s repeal the 16th Amendment
Today, we would be in the slammer for not reporting tip income.
I was audited by the IRS over a dozen times and the results were OK, but today...UGH.
Think about a bartender working from 3:00 PM to 3:00 AM, back then, for two bucks an hour plus tips and he {she} had three kids, a wife and a dog to support.
Cash tips saved their entire life, but today, they would be screwed.
Im not blaming Trump. I crediting him foe being able to find a way to get his message out. Since the MSM wouldn’t cover him unless he were a little bit provocative he’s had to be provocative at times to get coverage. Im definitely not trying to blame Trump at all. I see him as a legend for the sacrifices he’s made.
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