Trouble ahead if you don't claim income
When the Gulf oil disaster first happened I was concerned for the fishermen and their livelihood. But now I'm not.
BP has offered to pay them for their lost earning if they can prove their earnings. The fishermen are saying they don't have proof because they get paid in cash. That means they aren't paying income tax on their earnings.
Yet they use the services the government provides. They think it's OK not to pay taxes and to expect the government to help them out when they are in need.
People don't realize the consequences down the road of not claiming income. Another example is when you apply for Social Security. It's based on your income. If you didn't claim all your income, you will get smaller payments.
Barbara Brown
Arlington Heights
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