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By Dick Roppé, Resident I hate to start off the new year with this downer, but it's that time again. Yes, it's time to start thinking about your 2021 federal and state income tax returns. Originally, I was going to write about the history of taxes in the United States but the more I delved, the more convoluted the subject became. So, I'll take on the subject in abbreviated form. As you recall from your high school history classes, one of the issues that led to the American Revolution was whether British Parliament had the right to impose taxes on the colonists when they were not represented in parliament. Taxation without representation didn't fly with the colonists. See the Boston Tea Party! Even after the Revolution, taxes weren't popular. In 1791, Alexander Hamilton proposed an excise tax on alcohol that led to the Whiskey Rebellion in Pennsylvania. Basically, there are two types of taxes; direct and indirect. Direct taxes include: individual income, corporate, property, capital gains, security transaction, inheritance, estate and gift tax. Indirect taxes include: sales tax, excise (sometimes called sin taxes), value added, service tax, and hardly last, entertainment tax. I kid you not, I found a website that listed 97 taxes, fees, licenses and fines. There were too many to list, but here are a few; toll booth, marriage license, local school, passport, sewer and water, parking meters and how about a permit for your garage sale? As is often my wont, I'll conclude with a little humor. Here are some quotes I found dealing with taxes: "A government that robs Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul." - George Bernard Shaw; "I'm proud to pay taxes in the United States, the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money." - Arthur Godfrey; "The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by eating 30% of their ice cream" - Bill Murray; "If Patrick Henry thought that taxation without representation was bad, he should see how bad it is with representation." - Farmer's Almanac; "The income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf has." - Will Rogers. Don't forget, the second half of your property tax is due April 11, 2022. Have a nice day! SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JANUARY 2022 7 By Clare Mendez, Resident When the Side Pocket Sisters compete for the notorious golden trophies they are trying their best, putting friendships aside. We all want bragging rights until the next tournament. Which gives me great pleasure to announce this fall's undefeated women's billiards champs: Susan Stevens and Vivian Bellini (at right)! In 2021 the Side Pocket Sisters were glad to see some new women join the club. No matter what your skill level is, beginner or dare I say, pool shark, you are invited to come play on Wednesday mornings at 10 am. It is a very supportive and fun time for all the players. Side Pocket Sisters "Our new Constitution is now established, everything seems to promise it will be durable; but, in this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." ~ Benjamin Franklin