Things I Don’t Understand (Members' Corner)

By Kent Gildersleeve

Several years ago I began referring to the increasing numbers of Latinos as “colonials”. Friends and others seemed to think that was funny though it was just meant to be descriptive. Well, maybe it was intended to be light hearted but certainly it was not intended in any way to be mean spirited.

This issue involving illegal immigration, undocumented workers, illegal aliens, etc. is a complicated issue. It is not one that is going to be resolved by name calling, snooty (or snotty) remarks, emotional and ignorant comments, knee jerk reactions, and mindless demands that “something be done” regardless of whether it makes any common, practical, financial, or reasonable sense. But “by Damn” we have to do SOMETHING.

At least we’ll all feel better just because something was done. Even if that something is basically worthless.

Would it be helpful if we actually had information that was usable rather than letting oft repeated statements become a mantra until we accept untrue statements as fact?

One of the things I don’t understand is “they don’t pay taxes” and wonder how is that. We are upset that illegal aliens are working at companies. At what rate may be another issue. But no matter.

If that employer includes those workers on the payroll, then the employer is required by law to withhold estimated income taxes from the employee just as with all other workers whether part-time or full-time. That money is sent off to the IRS. And, to the state. Also sent to the IRS are FICA taxes and the employer’s matching FICA contribution. In addition other payroll taxes such as FUTA and SUTA are paid. Workers Compensation premiums are paid. If the company has an employee benefit program, the law and insurance company requirements includes those workers and premiums are paid. If there is a qualified pension or 401(k) plan the employees participate by law. If it is a unionized business as some in the news recently are, those workers also pay union dues (kind of a tax).

If an illegal alien does not file an income tax return it would seem that they do not get ordinary income tax deductions, earned income or other credits, etc. There is no refund. Doesn’t that mean they paid more than they actually had to pay?

In addition, just in the normal course of living in this country other taxes are paid. Do they not directly or indirectly pay property taxes? Certainly sales tax is paid, SPLOST is paid, as are the “sins taxes” of alcohol and tobacco. Gasoline taxes. All of the imbedded taxes in goods and services that we all pay are also paid.

So, I don’t understand when it is said, “They don’t pay taxes”.

Members' Corner

Things I Don’t Understand

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