Free Republic

WASHINGTON, D.C. - John Kerry has repeatedly called for increasing taxes on the "wealthy" so the affluent "pay their fair share" for the "common good." Ironically, John and Theresa Heinz Kerry, who comprise one the richest families in the world, pay relatively little income tax. Last year, John Kerry and his wife paid just 12% of their combined income in income taxes, despite their assertion that the rich should contribute increased amounts to government coffers. In contrast, President and Mrs. Bush, who had a substantially lower income than the Kerry's, paid over 28% in taxes. "John Kerry wants other Americans...

Taking your doctor's advice to lose weight could also lighten your tax bill under an Internal Revenue Service (news - web sites) (IRS) ruling announced Tuesday. The costs for participating in weight-loss programs, aside from special foods, may be tax deductible, the IRS said. But make sure the programs are in response to a physician's diagnosis, not just to shape up or look better. "Such costs are nondeductible personal expenses," the IRS said. The ruling is meant to recognize obesity's increasingly accepted status as a disease. To be eligible for a deduction, a taxpayer must have qualifying medical expenses of...