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Title: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 05:44:32 AM
Brian Beutler

Leading House Democrats want to turn Mitt Romney’s enormous IRA into more than just a political problem.

Romney’s most recent financial disclosure form revealed that his tax-deferred individual retirement account holds upwards of $100 million — an amount that awkwardly showcases his enormous wealth but also raises legal and ethical questions.

IRAs are intended to allow workers to put away modest sums of money each year in order to help finance a middle class retirement. The savings are tax deferred, but there’s a legal limit — now $6,000 — on how much each IRA holder can contribute annually.

Now top Democrats on the Budget, Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce Committees want to know how people of Romney’s wealth can end up with 100,000 times that much money in a single IRA, and how much the tax and investment strategies they employ cost the Treasury in revenue every year.

In a letter Thursday to senior officials at the Treasury and Labor departments, Reps. George Miller (D-CA), Sander Levin (D-MI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) want to know: Is this legal? How easy is this strategy to get away with? How much does it cost the government every year? And what can be done to end the practice?

- more -

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/mitt-romney-ira-taxes-retirement.php
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: tonymctones on August 04, 2012, 07:15:25 AM
Brian Beutler

Leading House Democrats want to turn Mitt Romney’s enormous IRA into more than just a political problem.

Romney’s most recent financial disclosure form revealed that his tax-deferred individual retirement account holds upwards of $100 million — an amount that awkwardly showcases his enormous wealth but also raises legal and ethical questions.

IRAs are intended to allow workers to put away modest sums of money each year in order to help finance a middle class retirement. The savings are tax deferred, but there’s a legal limit — now $6,000 — on how much each IRA holder can contribute annually.

Now top Democrats on the Budget, Ways and Means, and Education and Workforce Committees want to know how people of Romney’s wealth can end up with 100,000 times that much money in a single IRA, and how much the tax and investment strategies they employ cost the Treasury in revenue every year.

In a letter Thursday to senior officials at the Treasury and Labor departments, Reps. George Miller (D-CA), Sander Levin (D-MI), and Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) want to know: Is this legal? How easy is this strategy to get away with? How much does it cost the government every year? And what can be done to end the practice?

- more -

http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/08/mitt-romney-ira-taxes-retirement.php

"Is this legal? How easy is this strategy to get away with? How much does it cost the government every year? And what can be done to end the practice? "


so basically the dems want to know how they can stop ppl from keeping more of their own money?

hahaha ya run with that ball you moron...
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 07:26:07 AM
why don't we use the ira for what it was intended for to allow workers to put away modest sums of money each year in order to help finance a middle class retirement, not for the rich to hide money
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Kazan on August 04, 2012, 07:39:00 AM
why don't we use the ira for what it was intended for to allow workers to put away modest sums of money each year in order to help finance a middle class retirement, not for the rich to hide money

The rich again, do you really buy into the class warfare bullshit?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: tonymctones on August 04, 2012, 07:41:46 AM
why don't we use the ira for what it was intended for to allow workers to put away modest sums of money each year in order to help finance a middle class retirement, not for the rich to hide money
LMFAO so only poor and middle class ppl should benefit from IRA's?

what is your justification for this blacken?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 07:42:57 AM
The rich again, do you really buy into the class warfare bullshit?

ok i won't call them rich,  the people that have 100 million  :D
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 07:44:27 AM
LMFAO so only poor and middle class ppl should benefit from IRA's?

what is your justification for this blacken?

so if you put 100 million in an ira,do you think your worried about retirement  :D
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Kazan on August 04, 2012, 07:45:07 AM
ok i won't call them rich,  the people that have 100 million  :D

So fucking what? I guess being successful in this country is a crime now? Oh I get it you don't think they should have that much, so the government should step in and set things right ::)
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 07:48:40 AM
So fucking what? I guess being successful in this country is a crime now? Oh I get it you don't think they should have that much, so the government should step in and set things right ::)

poor rich :'( :'( it's about using these programs for what they were intended for.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: tonymctones on August 04, 2012, 07:49:35 AM
so if you put 100 million in an ira,do you think your worried about retirement  :D
is that the only reason ppl should save money?

who the fuck are you or anyone else to say what somebody should do with THEIR OWN MONEY?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Kazan on August 04, 2012, 07:50:08 AM
poor rich :'( :'( it's about using these programs for what they were intended for.

Is it illegal? If not then you have no leg to stand on.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: tonymctones on August 04, 2012, 07:50:54 AM
poor rich :'( :'( it's about using these programs for what they were intended for.
so youre taking the approach that romney broke the law again and is a felon?

goodness gracious how is this man not serving 3 life terms?

whats this the 2nd or 3rd crime he has committed?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 07:52:14 AM
is that the only reason ppl should save money?

who the fuck are you or anyone else to say what somebody should do with THEIR OWN MONEY?

 :D :D :D do you really think he has 100 million in his ira for retirement
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Shockwave on August 04, 2012, 07:52:26 AM
Wait... people are complaining that he used a legal program?
Somehow what he did was wrong because he is rich?

What the hell is with people acting like the rich are somehow evil because theyre better off? Goddamn, Im poor, and I dont bitch because rich people have more money and are more successful that I am.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: tonymctones on August 04, 2012, 07:53:58 AM
:D :D :D do you really think he has 100 million in his ira for retirement
does it matter?

ITS HIS FUKING MONEY!!!

what part of that do you not understand?

did he break the law?

then STFU already
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Shockwave on August 04, 2012, 07:55:01 AM
:D :D :D do you really think he has 100 million in his ira for retirement

Does it matter what he's going to use it for? Its not like he broke any laws, who cares what he does with his money?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 07:58:13 AM
let me guess you guys cover for the rich because someday you hope to be rich just like them :D :D fu@king pipe dream,your going to be middle class or a little above yet you let them do shit that if not illegal is pretty shady in hopes of being like them someday  :D :D
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Shockwave on August 04, 2012, 08:02:44 AM
let me guess you guys cover for the rich because someday you hope to be rich just like them :D :D fu@king pipe dream,your going to be middle class or a little above yet you let them do shit that if not illegal is pretty shady in hopes of being like them someday  :D :D
And Im fine being middle class. I dont understand this attitude. Its not illegal - its not shady at all. He used a legal avenue in place to protect/grow his money. How is that shady?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: tonymctones on August 04, 2012, 08:05:52 AM
let me guess you guys cover for the rich because someday you hope to be rich just like them :D :D fu@king pipe dream,your going to be middle class or a little above yet you let them do shit that if not illegal is pretty shady in hopes of being like them someday  :D :D
hahaha weak sauce blackass, you must think that by the govt taxing the rich you will some how become better off.

how about we dont think the anybody or the govt should be telling others what to do with their hard earned money.

Also if you think that taxing the rich is going to solve anything fiscally in our country your an idiot.

Sooner or later the taxes on the middle class will be raised as they already are by both sides.

So why not force the govt to get their shit straight before bitching and moaning about rich ppl finding LEGAL ways to keep more of their money?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Straw Man on August 04, 2012, 09:03:05 AM
the issue/question is how he managed to get 100 million in the account when you're limited to contributions of 6k a year.   SEP IRA's have much larger contribution limits but still not nearly high enough to get to 100 million.  Maybe he rolled over a 401k but those have contribution limits too.   It is possible that whatever assets he has in the IRA or SEP/IRA have had a 10,000% return or something like that but it's also possible that he did something illegal and just hasn't gotten caught yet

Romeny has a proven history of lying about his tax returns (MA governor race)  He also has a proven history of being involved in tax evasion scams that have been determined to be illegal (when acting as the chair of the audit committee for Marriot)

Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 09:57:28 AM
the issue/question is how he managed to get 100 million in the account when you're limited to contributions of 6k a year.   SEP IRA's have much larger contribution limits but still not nearly high enough to get to 100 million.  Maybe he rolled over a 401k but those have contribution limits too.   It is possible that whatever assets he has in the IRA or SEP/IRA have had a 10,000% return or something like that but it's also possible that he did something illegal and just hasn't gotten caught yet

Romeny has a proven history of lying about his tax returns (MA governor race)  He also has a proven history of being involved in tax evasion scams that have been determined to be illegal (when acting as the chair of the audit committee for Marriot)



i doesn't matter he's rich and someday they're going to be just like him ,so they give him a pass  ;D
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Shockwave on August 04, 2012, 10:00:04 AM
i doesn't matter he's rich and someday they're going to be just like him ,so they give him a pass  ;D
It would matter if he did something highly illegal, but thats not what you were trying to argue dude.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 10:05:36 AM
the problem is we don't no until he releases his taxes, and for some reason he won't,why not because what he's trying to hide is worse than the shit he's getting now
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: howardroark on August 04, 2012, 10:10:00 AM
Democrats: "The rich are investing too much money into the economy, causing economic growth! We must find a way to stop them!"
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: howardroark on August 04, 2012, 10:11:35 AM
the problem is we don't no until he releases his taxes, and for some reason he won't,why not because what he's trying to hide is worse than the shit he's getting now

If Romney is trying to hide something... then what is Obama trying to hide?

(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/582120_4063468981770_1999463834_n.jpg)
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 10:18:19 AM
If Romney is trying to hide something... then what is Obama trying to hide?

(http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/582120_4063468981770_1999463834_n.jpg)

hahahaha your a birther, i had you pegged as someone fairly smart
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Shockwave on August 04, 2012, 10:19:05 AM
hahahaha your a birther, i had you pegged as someone fairly smart
You got that out of a political cartoon?
Methinks you may be looking a little too deep into this.

Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: howardroark on August 04, 2012, 10:26:59 AM
hahahaha your a birther, i had you pegged as someone fairly smart

Actually smarter than your dumb commie ass and actually not a birther, I was referring to Obama's college transcripts as well as Fast & Furious.

So, according to your logic, if Romney is trying to hide something by not releasing his tax returns, then what is Obama trying to hide?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 04, 2012, 10:34:48 AM
Actually smarter than your dumb commie ass and actually not a birther, I was referring to Obama's college transcripts as well as Fast & Furious.

So, according to your logic, if Romney is trying to hide something by not releasing his tax returns, then what is Obama trying to hide?

i guess i pegged you way wrong ;D
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: howardroark on August 04, 2012, 10:39:18 AM
i guess i pegged you way wrong ;D

What is Obama trying to hide with Fast and Furious? Could it be the murder of hundreds?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on August 05, 2012, 06:32:29 AM
So fucking what? I guess being successful in this country is a crime now? Oh I get it you don't think they should have that much, so the government should step in and set things right ::)


Its not a crime however putting 100 million dollars in an IRA to avoid taxes isn't  cool.


IRA's were meant to help the poor and middle class buile savings for retirements without taxes......its not for the rich to avoid paying taxes since the wealthy have no need for a "retirement plan"... ::)
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: tonymctones on August 05, 2012, 07:11:34 AM

Its not a crime however putting 100 million dollars in an IRA to avoid taxes isn't  cool.


IRA's were meant to help the poor and middle class buile savings for retirements without taxes......its not for the rich to avoid paying taxes since the wealthy have no need for a "retirement plan"... ::)
really, more bs about the rich?

you guys are a one song band guys...

give it fucking up already.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 05, 2012, 07:14:09 AM
don't say nothing about the rich because someday i'm going to be one of them    
pipe dream
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: tonymctones on August 05, 2012, 07:17:27 AM
don't say nothing about the rich because someday i'm going to be one of them     
pipe dream
LMFAO who care is you are or wont be.

I dont hold anything against them for their success, why do you?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: blacken700 on August 05, 2012, 07:19:04 AM

Its not a crime however putting 100 million dollars in an IRA to avoid taxes isn't  cool.


IRA's were meant to help the poor and middle class buile savings for retirements without taxes......its not for the rich to avoid paying taxes since the wealthy have no need for a "retirement plan"... ::)
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Straw Man on August 05, 2012, 07:22:55 AM

Its not a crime however putting 100 million dollars in an IRA to avoid taxes isn't  cool.


IRA's were meant to help the poor and middle class buile savings for retirements without taxes......its not for the rich to avoid paying taxes since the wealthy have no need for a "retirement plan"... ::)

IRA's are not just for the poor and middle class and the issue is HOW he could accumulate that balance without exceeding contribution limits.   It just doesn't seem possible without an unbelievable/impossible ROI
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Soul Crusher on August 05, 2012, 07:53:25 AM
IRA's are not just for the poor and middle class and the issue is HOW he could accumulate that balance without exceeding contribution limits.   It just doesn't seem possible without an unbelievable/impossible ROI

Like Harry Reid's land deals? 
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Straw Man on August 05, 2012, 07:56:57 AM
Like Harry Reid's land deals? 

what's that got to do with Romney possibly/likely exceeding the legal contribution limits in his IRA ?
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Soul Crusher on August 05, 2012, 07:58:05 AM
what's that got to do with Romney possibly/likely exceeding the legal contribution limits in his IRA ?

It means you far left wing freaks dont give a damn about ethics unless it means diverting attention away from obamas failed record that he cant and refuses to run on. 
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Kazan on August 05, 2012, 07:59:24 AM

Its not a crime however putting 100 million dollars in an IRA to avoid taxes isn't  cool.


IRA's were meant to help the poor and middle class buile savings for retirements without taxes......its not for the rich to avoid paying taxes since the wealthy have no need for a "retirement plan"... ::)

OK, so why is this even an issue? No crime committed, nothing to see here, move along.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Shockwave on August 05, 2012, 08:03:43 AM
OK, so why is this even an issue? No crime committed, nothing to see here, move along.
But, but, but he's violating the SPIRIT of the program!!  ::)
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Straw Man on August 05, 2012, 08:07:56 AM
It means you far left wing freaks dont give a damn about ethics unless it means diverting attention away from obamas failed record that he cant and refuses to run on. 

why do you keep making assertions that aren't true

just yesterday you started a thread abotu Harry Reids son and his represenation of a Chinese solar company and this was my response

 
congress has written all  kinds of ubelievable exemptions for themselves

until recently they were able to legally profit from inside information and I believe their families are still able to do so

how the fuck can anyone justify that ?

this therad is about Romney and his IRA

If you want to start another thread about Reid or Obama than have it but stop trying to change the subject
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Straw Man on August 05, 2012, 08:15:12 AM
OK, so why is this even an issue? No crime committed, nothing to see here, move along.

Assuming this is an individual IRA and not a SEP (the #'s still don't work with a SEP) can you create some example where contributions of 6k a year (the current maximum allowable contribution if you're over 50) can turn turn into 100,000,000

I think it's likely he rolled it from another retirement account (maybe his  401k from Bain) but even those types of accounts have limitation on contributions

The only other answer is a return on investment that is almost impossible to comprehend but then again maybe he had IP0 stock that he got for pennies that are now worth $400 a share or something like that

The questions being asked are definitely valid but I suspect they won't go anywhere
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Kazan on August 05, 2012, 08:20:40 AM
Assuming this is an individual IRA and not a SEP (the #'s still don't work with a SEP) can you create some example where contributions of 6k a year (the current maximum allowable contribution if you're over 50) can turn turn into 100,000,000

I think it's likely he rolled it from another retirement account (maybe his  401k from Bain) but even those types of accounts have limitation on contributions

The only other answer is a return on investment that is almost impossible to comprehend but then again maybe he had IP0 stock that he got for pennies that are now worth $400 a share or something like that

The questions being asked are definitely valid but I suspect they won't go anywhere

Exactly, it won't go anywhere, but the prospect of impropriety has been put out there. It's just more non-sense from DC. Distraction from the real problems facing the nation. They don't want us focused on how fucked up things really are.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Straw Man on August 05, 2012, 08:28:02 AM
Exactly, it won't go anywhere, but the prospect of impropriety has been put out there. It's just more non-sense from DC. Distraction from the real problems facing the nation. They don't want us focused on how fucked up things really are.

I said I suspect won't go anywhere (last time I checked the Repubs controlled the House) but it's totally fair game in a presidential election to scrutinize anything you can about a canditate and this area (allegations of tax dodging) are a huge and legitimate weakness for Romney and he can bellyache about it all he wants but it won't just go away
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Primemuscle on August 05, 2012, 08:41:07 AM
The rich again, do you really buy into the class warfare bullshit?

You should because there's going to be a revolution someday soon. Off with their heads!
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Primemuscle on August 05, 2012, 08:51:53 AM
LMFAO so only poor and middle class ppl should benefit from IRA's?

what is your justification for this blacken?

It's simple, if there is a $5,000 limit on what one can contribute annually to an IRA in pre-tax dollars, the chances of someday (in Romney's case, about twenty years later) having $100,000,000 in one's IRA is zip unless you're doing some creative tax evasion. For most of us regular folks who pay our taxes,  and who contibute $5,000 annually for most of our working lives, it results in modest IRA accounts which definitely leave us in the middle-class at retirement, if even that well off.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Primemuscle on August 05, 2012, 08:53:29 AM
So fucking what? I guess being successful in this country is a crime now? Oh I get it you don't think they should have that much, so the government should step in and set things right ::)

It is not a crime to be rich unless you do it illegally. Tax evasion is against the law.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Primemuscle on August 05, 2012, 08:58:27 AM
so youre taking the approach that romney broke the law again and is a felon?

goodness gracious how is this man not serving 3 life terms?

whats this the 2nd or 3rd crime he has committed?

Unfortunately, many people cheat on their taxes in the U.S. Some more than others. Even when they are caught and found guilty of tax evasion they don't often end up in prison. Usually, they just pay fines and back taxes and their good to go at it again. Most tax evaders are never caught, despite what the IRS and the media like to portray to the public around tax time.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Primemuscle on August 05, 2012, 09:04:20 AM
Wait... people are complaining that he used a legal program?
Somehow what he did was wrong because he is rich?

What the hell is with people acting like the rich are somehow evil because theyre better off? Goddamn, Im poor, and I dont bitch because rich people have more money and are more successful that I am.

There is no crime in being rich, although it sometimes ticks some less advantaged folks off when you are. The question is, did Romney do something illegal to amass this fortune? Furthermore, the public generally holds the President to a higher standard and he wants to be our President. So even if what he did was not illegal but perhaps just unethical, it could cause him problems. Even if he gets elected, he may be investigated further if someone feels he evaded paying taxes.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Primemuscle on August 05, 2012, 09:07:04 AM
let me guess you guys cover for the rich because someday you hope to be rich just like them :D :D fu@king pipe dream,your going to be middle class or a little above yet you let them do shit that if not illegal is pretty shady in hopes of being like them someday  :D :D

If you honestly believe it is only the rich who get away with doing some creative accounting when it comes to paying their taxes, then you are naive.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Primemuscle on August 05, 2012, 09:19:00 AM
hahaha weak sauce blackass, you must think that by the govt taxing the rich you will some how become better off.

how about we dont think the anybody or the govt should be telling others what to do with their hard earned money.

Also if you think that taxing the rich is going to solve anything fiscally in our country your an idiot.

Sooner or later the taxes on the middle class will be raised as they already are by both sides.

So why not force the govt to get their shit straight before bitching and moaning about rich ppl finding LEGAL ways to keep more of their money?


Do you realize what you've said here is contradictory.

Who said all rich folks worked hard for their money? Some simply inherit it. Some just get lucky. Truth be told most people rich or poor work for their money. In fact the poorer you are the harder you probably work, unless you are living off handouts.

From what you are saying here, it would appear you think the middle-class should have the heaviest tax burden. Why shouldn't everyone pay the same percent tax-wise? Why should Romney pay less than 14% in income tax while you pay 35 or 40% assuming you are middle-class.


I don't think we should enact laws that require the rich to disproportionately pay a higher percentage in taxes anymore than we should lower the percentage for the poor. In my opinion, everyone should pay the same percentage and be allowed the same deductions. And when it comes to deductions, they should be more restrictive than they are now.
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Vince G, CSN MFT on August 05, 2012, 03:26:09 PM
It's simple, if there is a $5,000 limit on what one can contribute annually to an IRA in pre-tax dollars, the chances of someday (in Romney's case, about twenty years later) having $100,000,000 in one's IRA is zip unless you're doing some creative tax evasion. For most of us regular folks who pay our taxes,  and who contibute $5,000 annually for most of our working lives, it results in modest IRA accounts which definitely leave us in the middle-class at retirement, if even that well off.


Not exactly....if he rolled over his shares of stock into the IRA, it could easily reach 100 million...especially since he's the founder. 


However, the problem is that it makes him look very bad because while its a legal way to avoid paying taxes on revenue, he's taking advantage of a program that was never meant for him to use in that way....an IRA account is suppose to be used for retirement....not for a tax shelter.  Add this on top of the Swiss bank account, Cayman Islands, and not releasing his tax records.....its killing him
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Straw Man on August 05, 2012, 04:16:52 PM

Not exactly....if he rolled over his shares of stock into the IRA, it could easily reach 100 million...especially since he's the founder. 


However, the problem is that it makes him look very bad because while its a legal way to avoid paying taxes on revenue, he's taking advantage of a program that was never meant for him to use in that way....an IRA account is suppose to be used for retirement....not for a tax shelter.  Add this on top of the Swiss bank account, Cayman Islands, and not releasing his tax records.....its killing him

not easily at all - but theoretically possible, especially if he has the foresight to put assets that had a very low book value.

this article does a good job of explaining the mechanics of how he could have done it but it would have still been an amazing feat


http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-07-15/the-secret-behind-romney-s-magical-ira.html
Title: Re: Dem Lawmakers Want Answers About Romney’s Enormous IRA
Post by: Primemuscle on August 05, 2012, 06:25:56 PM

Not exactly....if he rolled over his shares of stock into the IRA, it could easily reach 100 million...especially since he's the founder. 


However, the problem is that it makes him look very bad because while its a legal way to avoid paying taxes on revenue, he's taking advantage of a program that was never meant for him to use in that way....an IRA account is suppose to be used for retirement....not for a tax shelter.  Add this on top of the Swiss bank account, Cayman Islands, and not releasing his tax records.....its killing him

Today in the Oregonian there was a Politifact article regarding Romney's proposed tax cuts. Guess what, the only folks getting the benefit of a tax cut are those making over $200,000 a year and the benefits are even better if you make $1,000,000 a year or better. However using his plan, most of us poor suckers will actually pay more in income tax. For people making between $50,000 and $75,000 the additional tax bite can be as much as $2,000 a year. Yikes.

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The numbers never worked out. No matter how hard the Tax Policy Center labored to make Romney's promises add up, every simulation ended the same way: with a tax increase on the middle class. The tax cuts Romney is offering to the rich are simply larger than the size of the (non-investment) deductions and loopholes that exist for the rich. That's why it's "mathematically impossible" for Romney's plan to produce anything but a tax increase on the middle class.
http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/romneys-tax-plan-an-impossible-dream/091ecf9b16c6c14142905a2791b9f87b (http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/index.ssf/story/romneys-tax-plan-an-impossible-dream/091ecf9b16c6c14142905a2791b9f87b)

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Mitt Romney would cut millionaires’ taxes....

They determined that people who earn $1 million or more in taxable income would see an average net tax decrease of $87,117. They’d save $175,961 from Romney's tax cut, but lose $88,444 in deductions.
 
"They would still get a tax cut," said Adam Looney, one of the authors. "The dollar value of the tax cuts is just way bigger than the mortgage interest and other deductions. There’s no way to implement this plan in a way that doesn’t result in a pretty big tax cut for that group (those making more than $1 million)."

 People who earn between $500,000 and $1 million would see a cut of about $17,000, and taxes for people with incomes between $200,000 and $500,000 would decrease by about $1,800, the study found.
 
But to make Romney's plan revenue neutral, deductions would also have to be removed for people with incomes below $200,000, and the effects of that would be significant, the study found. In fact, the elimination of the deductions would mean outright tax increases for everyone with incomes below $200,000. People with taxable income between $50,000 and $75,000, for example, would see an average net tax increase of $641. They’d save $984 from Romney's rate cut, but lose $2,672 in write-offs.

 The authors specifically noted that taxpayers with children whose income is below $200,000 would see their taxes go up by an average of $2,041 -- the figure highlighted in Obama’s ad.

 The reason for the increase is that the most popular tax breaks heavily benefit middle- and lower-income families, the 95 percent of the population earning less than $200,000 who carry mortgage debt and use employer-provided health insurance.
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/aug/03/barack-obama/obama-romney-would-cut-millionaires-taxes/