A new tax collection method. Post 145

Wyandotte County seeks new tool to collect taxes

The Kansas City Star  2/15/10

With about 10 percent of Wyandotte County properties in arrears, the government is lacking much-needed funds in a budget-cutting economy. But leaders are proposing a new tax-collection plan.

This month, county officials asked the state to permit a plan allowing private vendors to help collect the taxes. Vendors would front the money to the county in exchange for payment once the debt – plus interest – is subsequently paid.

“Given these particularly hard times, we should do everything we can to collect money that we are already legitimately owed before we raise taxes on everybody else or cut services,” Unified Government spokesman Mike Taylor said. “We just think that’s a good policy.” …especially as delinquent taxes are expected to increase at the same time local governments brace for more state cuts.

…saying the issue is a budgeting tool and also one of fairness for most taxpayers who do pay their taxes promptly, but it could face skepticism from lawmakers who might envision strong-arm tactics used by some debt collectors.

… the government is selling delinquent tax lien receivables, not the delinquent tax lien. The actual lien never changes hands, so the private vendor has no authority to foreclose. The government would still be responsible for collecting all debt, even the portion fronted by private companies.

Yet the concept gave Unified Government Commissioner Nathan Barnes strong misgivings. He said the plan would “bring the dogs out” and have private companies knocking on residents’ doors using scare tactics.

Taylor hopes the bill will pass because lawmakers have made it clear that they will likely be taking away more tax money that was earmarked for local governments.

“We’re trying to take care of ourselves,” Taylor said. “At least give us a tool that helps plug that hole or bring in some more money.”

Read the entire story: County to collect taxes with aggressive debt collectors

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Coach Mitch’s REFLECTIONS™

 

Here’s a novel concept – REDUCE SPENDING!

It is amazing that, when times are tough, legislators still see no alternative to raising taxes. They feel bad, they say, but, “Given these particularly hard times, we should do everything we can to collect money that we are already legitimately owed before we raise taxes on everybody else or cut services.”

This politician is adept at speaking out of both sides of his mouth – at the same time. First he says these are “particularly hard times.” One would think that this implies he understands and recognizes that there should be an effort to make things easier for taxpayers.

Apparently no reprieve for taxpayers

He apparently does not think logically because next we hear, we should “collect money …owed…before we raise taxes…or cut services.”

This legislator says, times are very hard, but let’s enforce collections or raise taxes on those very folks who can’t pay their taxes. Somehow, making things harder for US is a good answer for this jerk. Now you know why I label this kind of politician as part of the “miscreant class.”

Contracts / Obligations

I am sure that in his defense it will be stated that the county has legal obligations which each property owning citizen must pay for. It does not occur that it is these very obligations that are bankrupting the community. Why is there no clause in the contracts stating that, in times of financial crises, the payments shall be reduced or suspended, without penalty or with some adjustment?

Just Punishment

In colonial times, citizens would tar and feather someone to show their displeasure. We used to treat tax collectors in a similar manner that we used to discipline wayward students in school, by rapping their knuckles. I still remember in 1st grade, the rabbi pinching my cheek and turning it 90°. It hurt! I behaved.

In colonial times, corporal punishment was a regular event. The Army and Navy regularly gave whippings as punishment.

EXAMPLE: During the Lewis and Clark expedition, two guards were given 100 lashes each. They had fallen asleep during guard duty, while in Indian country. The entire company voted on the punishment. During the expedition, it was the only time that type of punishment was meted out.  Everyone got it.  Perform well or be punished.

The whip was considered just punishment. Were the folks who started our country cruel? Or, did they understand human nature. The Mafia understands that the threat of violence gets cooperation and submission.

As part of their legal system, Singapore and Malaysia regularly cane law breakers. Do you remember Michael Fay, that young fellow who was caned with a bamboo stick for vandalism? There was media frenzy here and the penalty was reduced from 6 to 4 strokes. But, I ask, why not use the principle of corporal punishment within our society?  Corporal punishment in Singapore

Cruel and Unusual Punishment

Is it Cruel and Unusual to paddle an unruly school child?

As ‘civilized’ people, we don’t inflict physical punishment anymore. Rather, we merely allow crime victims to suffer egregious financial harm needlessly. Further, the perpetrator is thought to be acting out on his strained childhood, and therefore, he must be forgiven his transgressions. To our credit, we do feel bad for the victim. But feelings do not pay the bills. This results in very little justice in our justice system and a very high crime rate.

High taxes leads to civil unrest

I stipulate that over-taxation is today’s ‘cruel and unusual’ punishment.

The Declaration of Independence declares, “He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance. See the Declaration of Independence

Is it just for a man to lose his home because he cannot pay his taxes? Is this not Cruel and Unjust?

Rather, curtail spending, reduce bureaucracy, repeal laws, seek efficiencies, institute standards, and metrics, insist on competence, jail lawmakers, and corporate types who game the system, etc. Sure punishment is the road to a just society with less crime.

But, until we get to societal nirvana –

Coach Mitch’s “Ridiculously Simple System…”™ shows how you can help yourself and also help those tax delinquents who want to sell their property, and move on with their lives.

See Coach Mitch’s “Ridiculously Simple System…” ™ for details.

Move forward,