My mother was to the working poor in my neighborhood what an army of accountants are to the super rich. She knew how to use the tax codes to ensure the greatest income tax refund check allowed by law.
Although she entered the workforce after World War II as a bookkeeper, she spent her entire life working in retail- managing a store for almost twenty years.
She never tried to cheat the government- she just read and understood the tax booklet that arrived every year- and took advantage of every deduction available to the average tax payer.
I remember the first time she challenged the amount I told her I was receiving when I did my own taxes.
"That's all?" She was incredulous. "You should be getting back twice as much."
And sure enough, when my mother filed my return, I did.
When my sister climbed the ladder of success and crossed to the other side, she was shocked when she had to pay a few hundred dollars by April 15th. My mother showed her how to notify the IRS and 'demand' (yes, my mother used that word) they take a larger amount out of the paycheck each week to avoid having to come up with a large sum of money by due date.
And, unbelievably, the following year my sister received a modest tax return.
Oh those income tax return checks. How I love them. (Yes, I guess that makes me part of the 47%) For a few years, that check kept my car on the road. I used the money to pay for my insurance and registration fees, car inspection and my own license to drive. One year I walked into the supermarket and just strolled down the aisles, putting items in my cart without a list, or coupons, or a plan of action. I just shopped.
Because that's what the 47% of tax payers who don't pay taxes do. They buy stuff with the money they have. Sometimes they buy stuff with the money they don't have- and rely on that refund to pay back the bills.
I have friends who go on vacation each year with their refund check. The amount due determines the location. The year after they bought their house they went to Orlando for a week. Last year they went for a week-end. Less money back? Or money for house repairs?
My mother has long since retired from her on the side tax return business. I try to follow her advice and 'read the booklet', using every deduction I can so I can receive a nice refund.
So I can go out and spend it.