Earned Income

Just received my tax assessment for the year 2004, by this month I have to pay $212.56 for the income tax. Thinking back, I remembered my annual gross income for the year 2004 is $31,032.00 the tax is $212.56; for the year 2003 my annual gross income is $27,154.30, the tax is $78.44. After doing a little bit of maths I realised something. My annual gross income increased by around 14.3% but my tax increased by around 171%. This is the penalty for having earned income. Its not the only source of income you can have but everyone loves it. Not trying to say I don't want to pay my tax or tax is bad. Tax is part of the civilised world, without it the society won't function properly. I like paying tax, because without it the street lamps won't work, the roads won't be repaired, the fireman won't arrive on time and etc. There is other ways we can contribute to the society, and tax is only one form and its limited.

Think about it, look at the calculation, does it make financial sense or cents? Some who knows the tax system well enough may say that its because the income is in a different tax bracket. I would rather look at the mathematic calculations, and say whether is this the life I want for myself. Others may think otherwise, this is just how I see the picture. Not trying to solicit or anything, just hope others would not require me to do the 'right' thing which often means the same thing as them. I walk this road this way, we can walk together with same or different style or maybe they prefer to walk with someone of the same style, its their choice.

PS. Criminal strive on the indulgence of society's understanding.