Q: When minor's get paychecks and have to pay the taxes isn't this taxation without representation?
I'm 16, and whenever I receive a paycheck, I lose about $25 to $30 due to taxes. This made me think about the Constitution and how this feels like textbook taxation without representation. I’ve done some research, and taxation without representation describes someone who is required to pay taxes to a government authority without having any say in that government’s policies.
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A:
You’re right that taxation without representation historically refers to being taxed by a government without having a say in its decisions. In your case, you’re paying taxes, but because you’re under 18, you can’t vote yet, which might seem like you’re not being represented.
However, the government sees taxes as a duty for anyone earning income, regardless of age, to support public services like infrastructure, education, and healthcare. The principle is that everyone who benefits from these services contributes to them, even if they can't vote.
Once you turn 18, you’ll be able to vote and directly participate in the government. Until then, even though it feels unfair, your contributions are part of the broader system that helps support society.
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