'Should married couples get a tax break?' poll discussion

Former_MSE_Lawrence

Poll between 05-11 Jan 2010:

Should married couples get a tax break?

It's hit the political headlines, but is it right for the tax system to reward the institution of marriage?

Which of these is closest to your view?

A. Yes. Marriage should be rewarded. - 66% (14364 votes)
B. No. Though stable relationships, married or not, should be rewarded. - 9% (1981 votes)
C. No. Relationships shouldn't play any role in the tax system. - 25% (5564 votes)

This vote has now closed, but you can still click 'post reply' to discuss below. Thanks

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bigblackdog

it is more a case of you are penalised for being married , by the tax system /benefits system , why should your husband/wifes income matter to a person personally regarding benefits or tax?

prowla

What bigblackdog said.

This government has been anti-marriage.

Dave101t

we would also need a break for civil partnerships, as well as one for athiests who would be discriminated against by imposing this terrible idea.
Now imagine when someone really genuinely posts something like this!

marriage is the bedrock of a well functioning society, directly contributing to the economy (one at home, one working or both working), pension pots( employment deductions), family values (proper unit, plus discipline) etc etc and should be rewarded by a 50% tax reduction.
in short, marriage breakdown is one of the main causes of crap societies because of the knock on effects which are becoming apparent and moreso in the next 20 years. ho hum.

cake21

Dave101t wrote: »

we would also need a break for civil partnerships

Totally agree

Dave101t wrote: »

as well as one for athiests who would be discriminated against by imposing this terrible idea.

Don't understand this...atheists can marry in non-religious ceremonies, or is that not what you mean?

robin_banks

prowla wrote: »

What bigblackdog said.

This government has been anti-marriage.

Not married, been with my partner for 6 years, have 2 kids. Why should a married couple get a 'tax break' over us simply because we're not married.

lemma1968

bigblackdog wrote: »

it is more a case of you are penalised for being married , by the tax system /benefits system , why should your husband/wifes income matter to a person personally regarding benefits or tax?

Totally agree with you. It really hacks me off.

meher

Government, family, communities and religious institutions invading and running every aspect of our blessed lives isn't exactly looking funny. So, privatise marriage :snow_grin Belonging to just one person or a particule sex isn't grand either for many as we can see when we look around. So, save tax for something else and don't dictate lifestyles thankyou very much.

happyrichard

I voted for marriage to be supported through tax relief- perhaps bring back MIRAS for married couples- supporting sustainable households- that surely has to be good for society.

And before you ask, I am happily married and could do with a break!

MSE_Martin

Hi - there's an interesting discussion on this on my facebook page too...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Martin-Lewis/73386220151#/note.php?note_id=241650243864&comments

Though I'd repost a suggestion I'd made there...

"One small note from a personal perspective. I lost my mother just before I was 12 - had this system existed, I suspect that meant that on top of the real horror we were in, this system could be adding a further financial impact - not only did we lose my mothers income but as tradgedy had forced my father into becoming a single parent he would've ... See Morelost the tax break for being married too on top of the family losing my mothers income.

Now I don't believe that we should legislate for the exceptions, but I do think it is important we establish that the 'traditional family' model is quite far from the norm in modern society."

sar011279

robin_banks wrote: »

Not married, been with my partner for 6 years, have 2 kids. Why should a married couple get a 'tax break' over us simply because we're not married.

Couldn't agree more, me and OH been together for 12 years, have 3 kids, mortgage etc etc. Why should married people get tax breaks and not us?? - maybe a cheap trip to the local registry office is in order!