The DU Lounge

that falls fairly on the rich and poor alike with fairly, IMHO meaning those that make the most, pay the most.

I don't believe in worrying about or trying to avoid taxes although, if there is a deduction allowed, I generally take it.

I suggest you ask a tax advisor since there may be local or state taxes in addition to federal ones that might differ in exemptions and deductions for their their taxes.

As far as knowing you have to pay taxes, I'd worry less about it than you apparently do. Just be thrilled at the increase in value which gives you more to spend and not how much in taxes you have to pay. Your remaining life on this earth will be happier, if not richer.

If the very rich in this country acted this way, there would be a lot more money for the people that need it. Instead, like Musk who is worth $500B and who cannot spend even a small portion of it for others, we have an ever accumulation of wealth to a smaller percentage of the population and more suffering for the poor.

I am intending no criticism of you. Just a suggestion that accepting legitimate taxes is the best plan you can have.