How about a tax break for those struggling to help themselves? Those fathers and mothers who are struggling to keep up or catch up on child support. Don’t condemn me just yet.
With this tax break for those behind especially who do not normally get to claim their children or child support payments this could be an overall helping hand. The break would be used to ensure a refund albeit small in some cases. However, this would then be sent directly to the person receiving the support payments as defined by the court order of support. The income tax refund is normally taken to catch up arrearages anyways.
But, with the added tax deduction they might receive a bigger refund that would benefit both the payee and the payer. Ultimately, the system is designed to make sure the monies go to the appropriate place anyway. This way it would just benefit both people more adequately.
Why should someone who pays child support not be entitled to a break once a year for at the very least attempting to make their payments as ordered? Andre Rison was found last year in Detroit for failing to pay a reportedly $100,000 in child support. Yet, the working poor are being trampled and suffer through the system in order to make ends meet in two households.
Some divorced parents work two or three jobs just to make enough to keep their own home safe and secure for their kids when and if they get the chance to have them over. It isn’t bad enough the system formula is antiquated and un-equal on both sides. Some parents don’t get enough while others don’t have enough left to pay their own bills once it is taken out.
Have you ever tried to pay for medications, gas, etc. on $70 for two weeks? Some payee’s are doing just that. They are required to pay for health insurance that isn’t even being used in some cases for their kids living with the custodial parent who has excellent health coverage for themselves and the kids. Non-custodial parents are often forced to pay for health, dental, vision that isn’t being used unless the cost is greater than 5% of their gross income before taxes, child support have been taken out.
Most of these parents want to pay their fair share; they just want a fair shake once a year to hopefully benefit both the children and themselves overall.