Comment: Dear Sir: I have requested help before to no avail. But, I do have a request. More people are getting older and retiring. And, while in retirement, they are volunteering their time and efforts on behalf of various charities. I have tried to use the tax-reporting instructions to the best of my abilities without feeling secure that what I was doing was correct. Previously, I had said that I thought a brochure explaining to these volunteers on how to go about detailing their "out-of-pocket" expenses might be handled. This would include, for those professionals trying to maintain their status as "retired professionals" or emeriti with all that this might entail. In cases where I have been unsure I'm more likely to pay heavier taxes in order to avoid any questions. Of the various proposals for reform one that I find appealing is the VAT. Except that I don't understand how that translataes into an income tax. From previous research in trying to determine the value of each step of production efforts, I understand how this would be valuable. But, otherwise, the way that I think would be most valuable would be to have the members of Congress and Executive branch have to prepare their own taxes. Since theirs are likely to be more complicated they would be in an excellent position to recognize the difficulties met by more ordinary taxpayers. Sincerely, Takuya Maruyama 846 S Dunsmuir Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 takuyama@dslextreme.com |