Letter to the editor: Seniors shouldn't be penalized for working
If you are collecting Social Security and both you and your spouse are working, look at line 6 (a and b) on your IRS 1040 return. This is where the IRS code determines how much they will penalize you for working and drawing an income. A portion of your Social Security is determined to be included in your earned and taxable income.
To me, this is clearly double taxation and something just doesn’t smell right.
Last year, I sent a letter to both of our senators regarding this. I felt a letter would be more apt to be recognized. I didn’t expect a response from Sen. Pat Toomey because he was retiring. There was no response or acknowledgement from Sen. Bob Casey or any of his offices. I realize he only appears every 51⁄2 years at election time, but I thought I would get a response that a letter was received.
Our elected officials have their own retirement packages and are not subject to Social Security. They only care about Social Security when it is used for voting purposes. Every election cycle the subject comes up, and each side accuses the other of looking to cut benefits.
How many citizens drawing from this fund have never contributed to it and have been included to garner votes?
I am disturbed by this part of the tax code and by being ignored by our representatives. How about looking after middle class seniors and representing them instead of penalizing them for working?
Patrick Caffrey
Laughlintown
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