tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post5336252254735295919..comments2024-03-23T05:42:07.516-04:00Comments on The Deliberate Agrarian: April 15: Two Steps Forward. One Step Back.Herrick Kimballhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-72196073718889039612008-04-20T15:09:00.000-04:002008-04-20T15:09:00.000-04:00Herrick,My brother introduced me to your blog. We ...Herrick,<BR/>My brother introduced me to your blog. We will be using your plucker to process at least 100 chickens this summer and pigs of our own, etc... I am a definite believer in Christian agrarianism.<BR/><BR/>I recently left my government job (school teacher) and became self employed doing home remodeling. With the downturn in economy it turned out to be the worst time to do that and we are struggling with money/tax/calling issues a lot lately.<BR/><BR/>Your posting was an encouragement to me and helped me to remember to focus on what is important. We do have everything we need. I appreciate our transparent honesty in what you have shared. I love the "quit yourself like a man" verse, and will probably add that to the list of life verses that are important to me. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the responsibility to provide for my family and in awe of my total reliance to God to provide the means to do that. <BR/><BR/>Thanks again,<BR/><BR/>Doug Sharpsharpyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05014404252613445313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-2232459509753415172008-04-20T07:49:00.000-04:002008-04-20T07:49:00.000-04:00Hey everyone,Thanks again for your helpful and enc...Hey everyone,<BR/><BR/>Thanks again for your helpful and encouraging responses to this blog.<BR/><BR/>I will say that I keep <B>every</B> receipt for deductible expenses. I even have receipts for 15 cents that I used. My tax preparer is a CPA and is supposed to know his business. But I am probably going to try another next year. More than $10,000 farm income on 1.5 acres (most of which is woods) is difficult to do when I have two full time jobs. But that is the objective one day when I get more land. As for Social Security being an investment... I think it is actually more of a Ponzi scheme. Those who got in the system first make out better than those who come in last. It looks like the rules will change and people like me will be paid off with inflated dollars, or worse. In any event, I hope not to ever draw a cent from SS, as I consider it an immoral government subsidy. That is, I need to add, my opinion and not a condemnation of anyone who gets a SS check. Many people, including my father, would be destitute without it.Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-39993250072671148242008-04-19T21:19:00.000-04:002008-04-19T21:19:00.000-04:00The Social Security portion IS A TAX! It is far f...The Social Security portion IS A TAX! It is far from an investment. Most of us will never see a dime of it. The money goes right in the general fund with all the rest of taxes. It all goes to pay interest on the debt. There is no "account" with "your money" in it. Its a scam. <BR/><BR/>ScottAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-2974533943464148262008-04-19T20:50:00.000-04:002008-04-19T20:50:00.000-04:00If it helps to ease the pain, that 15% Social Secu...If it helps to ease the pain, that 15% Social Security portion is not a tax nor an expense item. It is an investment in your future. Depending on your longevity, you will get all of it back plus 'interest'.<BR/><BR/>HMKAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-79112975559603892762008-04-19T11:27:00.000-04:002008-04-19T11:27:00.000-04:00Dude, sorry about your taxes. It might help next (...Dude, sorry about your taxes. It might help next (this) year to file quarterly - doesn't hurt so much at the end of the year that way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-13748667850257020012008-04-19T09:17:00.000-04:002008-04-19T09:17:00.000-04:00Hi, I just found your blog, and wanted to let you ...Hi, I just found your blog, and wanted to let you know how much I liked it. I've read about your chicken processing, pluckers, and horse chow, but I really look forward to more. I can empathize on the taxes, but the price of an honest mans wage is far less indeed than that of a beggars. Peace to you and yours. <BR/>P~P~https://www.blogger.com/profile/13403847624491620709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-91345251675076915292008-04-18T09:30:00.000-04:002008-04-18T09:30:00.000-04:00Awesome post, as a one income family of a small bu...Awesome post, as a one income family of a small business owner, we feel your pain. Even with great CPAs, write-offs and deductions, there is no getting around the 15% social security tax. The tax system is just not set up to be nice to small business owners, we've been doing this for 15 years now and April 15th can be a difficult day for most of us! Hang in there though, you're doing a great good by making products that encourage the small homesteader and writing essays that feed the soul. I enjoy it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-27622974320134144422008-04-18T08:16:00.000-04:002008-04-18T08:16:00.000-04:00Herrick,I've enjoyed your blog - I'm gonna copy yo...Herrick,<BR/>I've enjoyed your blog - I'm gonna copy your picker - likely buy the fingers from you (unless you want to send them to me free and claim a loss) - and enjoy your thoughts.<BR/>Couple of things popped to mind when I read your entry here:<BR/>1 - Since you are in NYS - if you made more than $10K off your "farm activities" - you can claim agriculture status and receive significant NYS tax breaks... you can also buy a lot of the things you use for farming and the lot as "tax exempt" - granted that's sales tax - but it helps.<BR/>2 - If you are buying things tax exempt (or even not) for the "farm" - you can then depreciate those assets over several years on your Federal return.<BR/>3 - the comment to "save your receipts" is key - EVERYTHING you buy in support of your business is deductible - a portion of your electric - your Internet access - all of it - deductible - because it's under business use.<BR/>4 - I understand your feeling about debt - but there are some forms of good debt that can help you decrease your tax burden - a land purchase is NOT one of them - but a mortgage or home equity line is one of them - and there are was to go about that safely.<BR/><BR/>I could go on and on - but my point is - you would probably server yourself well and spend the best $200 you have ever spent by sitting down with a quality CPA and discuss how to structure your farming business in a way that offers you the most in the form of tax shelters. Ultimately - you will have to pay taxes - but you may be surprised how an expert can save you a lot more than you ever thought was possible.<BR/><BR/>I'm at <A HREF="http://www.bluebirdmeadowfarms.com" REL="nofollow"><BR/>www.bluebirdmeadowfarms.com</A> come visit!Andyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01861175222727997877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-71575038963436979132008-04-16T23:18:00.000-04:002008-04-16T23:18:00.000-04:00I agree with Scott. Showing loss, or little, is t...I agree with Scott. Showing loss, or little, is the key. There are many ways that you can legally show that you make very little. I save EVERY receipt and have my tax consultant work through it. Example: last year I moved across the U.S. All $7000.00 of it was a write-off!<BR/><BR/>We always get a huge return. I think it might be the children :)<BR/><BR/>With packaging, shipping, printing...you should be able to count up quite a bit of expenditures.<BR/><BR/>I don't want to take away what the Lord is showing you though. And I agree that He will see you through. He does have your best interest in mind, no matter what it looks like from our perspective.<BR/><BR/>garthfoutfolkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04079651678447028444noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-50551519806451765332008-04-16T21:18:00.000-04:002008-04-16T21:18:00.000-04:00"The frosting is good, but it isn't always good fo..."The frosting is good, but it isn't always good for you. "<BR/><BR/>Well said!<BR/><BR/>-RobinBeautiful Each Dayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01635630366760388909noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-81022470000481592812008-04-16T12:05:00.000-04:002008-04-16T12:05:00.000-04:00Herrick,You are right and I should know it better ...Herrick,<BR/>You are right and I should know it better than most. We live a life of luxury here in the US compared to most overseas. Thanks for the reminder!<BR/><BR/>(I really only wanted to put lots of comments on your blog! :-) )Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15110937250930307223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-81678999380197010962008-04-16T04:34:00.000-04:002008-04-16T04:34:00.000-04:00Hello annonymous,Yes, I read Bastiat's "The Law" m...Hello annonymous,<BR/>Yes, I read Bastiat's "The Law" many years ago. It is a timeless little volume that should be required reading in schools. But I don't suppose the government schools would ever want to teach such truths about the nature of government. I think I should read it again. Thanks.<BR/><BR/>Homestead Herbs-<BR/>There is a lot to be said for being "poor." It tends to keep us more humble, which is not such a bad thing. :-)<BR/><BR/>But, as you know, being poor is a relative condition. Just look at the food riots in Haiti. The fact is--and this also occurred to me as I was contemplating my tax bill--all my true "needs" in life are met. My family has food, shelter, and much more. Anything beyond that is like frosting on the cake. The frosting is good, but it isn't always good for you. :-)<BR/><BR/>Hey Scott-<BR/>At my core, I'm not a profit-driven person. But it's hard to buy land without making the money to do so. No doubt, God can supply His children in other ways, and I'm open to those possibilities. But for now, to work within the capitalist system (without being consumed by it)to earn and save is the only option I see before me.Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-71497794564365492152008-04-15T22:06:00.000-04:002008-04-15T22:06:00.000-04:00Scott, Thanks for the laugh! Actually, I was thi...Scott, Thanks for the laugh! Actually, I was thinking something along those lines, too. ;-)Ginnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17135591930894431069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-80920153724706990942008-04-15T21:59:00.000-04:002008-04-15T21:59:00.000-04:00Scott,Haha!! Go on then, share your wisdom! Obviou...Scott,<BR/>Haha!! Go on then, share your wisdom! Obviously, we're in dire need of it.Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15110937250930307223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-8406680125621131432008-04-15T20:47:00.000-04:002008-04-15T20:47:00.000-04:00The problem you folks have is that you are making ...The problem you folks have is that you are making a profit. I'd be happy to give you advice on how not to make a profit, something I have down to a fine art :)<BR/><BR/>Scott TerryAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-65270275918852935032008-04-15T16:00:00.000-04:002008-04-15T16:00:00.000-04:00You and I must be symbiotically connected! You too...You and I must be symbiotically connected! You took the thoughts and words right out of my mouth- the dreams of property and stewardship, the home business while keeping the full time job, the feeling of getting ahead only to have it pinched and deflated when the tax man comes calling. But keeping trying to keep in perspective where the importance lies. We are His and are to live as He would want us to. Aren't we told "...sell whatever you have and give to the poor; and you will have treasure in heaven, take up the cross, and follow Me" (Mark 10:21) Guess He wants me poor! :-) <BR/><BR/>Actually, one of the consistent thoughts running through my mind since I realized I had to pay so much to our government was whether keeping the corporate job is really cost effective- seems I have to spend a whole lot because of the job than I would if I was eking out a living off the land... I mean just the cost of the corporate wardrobe is a full months wage for some! :-)Christinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15110937250930307223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-14062997383259151022008-04-15T13:00:00.000-04:002008-04-15T13:00:00.000-04:00Herrick,Have you read the essay 'The Law' by Basti...Herrick,<BR/><BR/>Have you read the essay 'The Law' by Bastiat? The government is indeed the plunderer. <BR/><BR/>I feel for you. Have you considered incorporation? At the minimum go talk to an accountant about the different legal ways you can structure your business to come out better on the tax situation. <BR/><BR/>Good luck and hang in there. You inspire me to do better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-87877668156606402362008-04-15T02:25:00.000-04:002008-04-15T02:25:00.000-04:00Hi Mark-I thought that same thing...the system sur...Hi Mark-<BR/>I thought that same thing...the system survives because most taxpayers never see the money taken out of their pay. If they actually had it and then had to give it up, there would surely be a revolution. It might happen anyway.<BR/><BR/>ginny-<BR/>Thanks.<BR/><BR/>james-<BR/>The temptation is certainly there and I'd bet that the vast majority of small-scale, self-employed people who deal with cash (i.e. hairdressers, restaurants, etc.) are not paying taxes on their full income. And then there are those who, for various reasons, intentionally do not file or pay any income tax. I know a few. I've listened to their rational for not paying. Put me on a jury in a case against a tax protester and I wouldn't find them guilty. Our government is more like the criminal. Thanks for your comment.Herrick Kimballhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116051416696885647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-39800850842880600022008-04-14T23:25:00.000-04:002008-04-14T23:25:00.000-04:00It's not very Christ-like... but that verse is the...It's not very Christ-like... but that verse is the ONLY thing that keeps me from cheating on taxes. I'd make a terrible accountant, because the temptation to ignore the Lord's requirement and cheat would be constant and powerful. I suppose that it is a symptom of larger heart issues: like hate and bitterness. Another "rough place" that needs to be "made plain". <BR/>JFJameshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11363950259121845950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-62552080732902569122008-04-14T21:37:00.000-04:002008-04-14T21:37:00.000-04:00I understand, but I praise the Lord with you that ...I understand, but I praise the Lord with you that He brought those verses to your mind and that something wonderful is coming out of it. This is one of those "all things"... Keep your eyes on Him and look forward to your permanent home, brother. :-DGinnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17135591930894431069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13729569.post-34280831083185502322008-04-14T21:03:00.000-04:002008-04-14T21:03:00.000-04:00You too, huh. If all taxpayers had to write one bi...You too, huh. If all taxpayers had to write one big check to the goverment, like small businesses do. there would be another revolution. The problem is that they hide it in withholding, and people never see it. The goverment claims to want people to succeed, then they punish you for it. This is why there is such a huge black market. Leviathon always wants more. New York has particularly onerous taxes I've been told. Here in Missouri, they are less, but still hurt. I wonder what Joseph was thinking when he and Mary went to pay taxes. The dry irony of it is, you will probably get a pretty good "stimulus check" from the goverment. Then they will take it away in taxes. We have a stupid economy, and tax system It's a long way from Jeffersons Republic these days, isn't it?brierrabbithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02159138666926348235noreply@blogger.com