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Subject Author Date
Ignorance of the average taxpayer? oprah.chopra 04-28-2008
Posted by oprah.chopra on April 28, 2008, 2:17 pm
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 Are there any studies on the ignorance of the average taxpayer? I
wonder what percentage can explain the difference between a standard
deduction and itemized deduction? I know I couldn't until recently
and I have a Masters degree in engineering. I would think the vast
majority can not as well considering 70% of US population does not
even have a Bachelor's degree.

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Posted by William Brenner on April 28, 2008, 2:55 pm
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 oprah.chopra@gmail.com wrote:
> Are there any studies on the ignorance of the average taxpayer? I
> wonder what percentage can explain the difference between a standard
> deduction and itemized deduction? I know I couldn't until recently
> and I have a Masters degree in engineering. I would think the vast
> majority can not as well considering 70% of US population does not
> even have a Bachelor's degree.
>
On behalf of our resident professional tax preparers -- of which I am
not one -- I say "Bless them all".

--
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>
<< The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, >>
<< nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties >>
<< that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. >>
<< >>
<< The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts >>
<< to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy >>
<< are at www.asktax.org. >>
<< Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. >>
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>

Posted by Haskel LaPort on April 28, 2008, 3:41 pm
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> Are there any studies on the ignorance of the average taxpayer? I
> wonder what percentage can explain the difference between a standard
> deduction and itemized deduction? I know I couldn't until recently
> and I have a Masters degree in engineering. I would think the vast
> majority can not as well considering 70% of US population does not
> even have a Bachelor's degree.

I'm certain that even greater number can't tune their cars but I'm that that
concerned, that is why we have auto mechanics.

--
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>
<< The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, >>
<< nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties >>
<< that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. >>
<< >>
<< The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts >>
<< to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy >>
<< are at www.asktax.org. >>
<< Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. >>
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>

Posted by Elle on April 28, 2008, 4:42 pm
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> Are there any studies on the ignorance of the average
> taxpayer?

I expect it is worse than the 30% error rate attributed to
the IRS employees who staff the IRS toll free help hotline,
per a late 1990s study, for one.

--
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>
<< The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, >>
<< nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties >>
<< that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. >>
<< >>
<< The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts >>
<< to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy >>
<< are at www.asktax.org. >>
<< Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. >>
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>

Posted by Barry Margolin on April 28, 2008, 5:34 pm
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In article
oprah.chopra@gmail.com wrote:

> Are there any studies on the ignorance of the average taxpayer? I
> wonder what percentage can explain the difference between a standard
> deduction and itemized deduction? I know I couldn't until recently
> and I have a Masters degree in engineering. I would think the vast
> majority can not as well considering 70% of US population does not
> even have a Bachelor's degree.

It's not typically taught in schools, so it has very little to do with
the level of education you've achieved.

Most citizens are ignorant of most laws on the books, yet we're all
expected to obey them.

--
Barry Margolin, barmar@alum.mit.edu
Arlington, MA
*** PLEASE don't copy me on replies, I'll read them in the group ***

--
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>
<< The foregoing was not intended or written to be used, >>
<< nor can it used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties >>
<< that may be imposed upon the taxpayer. >>
<< >>
<< The Charter and the Guidelines for submitting posts >>
<< to this newsgroup as well as our anti-spamming policy >>
<< are at www.asktax.org. >>
<< Copyright (2007) - All rights reserved. >>
<< ------------------------------------------------------- >>

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