2/5     Is the "Standard Deduction" for taxes the same for all people
        or does it vary according to your income?
        \_ the same
        \_ probably different if you are single, married, head of household.
         \_ I don't like it much cause I make charitable contributions, and
            it adds up to just slightly above the "Standard Deduction" so
            I am not getting much of a tax break. - bitter-charitable-donor
            \_ The tax laws are written to benefit homeowners. Give it up.
               \_ Darn!  But I absolutely detest mowing the lawn, lugging
                  around wood shavings, fixing toilet, remodelling the
                  basement and stuff like that, and don't think I can
                  afford to hire someone to do it.  :(  Are tax laws kind
                  to small apartment owners too?
                  \_ if you buy a condo you'll get the same benefit.  -tom
                     \_ Mostly. "Homeowner Association" fees run $200/mo
                        or more and are not tax-deductable...unless you
                        rent out your condo and live somewhere else, but
                        that kind of defeats the purpose. --ulysses
                     \_ You also get to share in the liabilities of any
                        neglected maintenance.  A friend of mine just
                        moved out of a complex where they found that the
                        management had neglected termite inspections for
                        the enormous, central 4-floor wooden balcony/walkway
                        that connects and provides access to all the condos.
                        Now they each get to share in the multimillion dollar
                        repairs.
                        \_ I wouldn't buy a condo, but the conversation was
                           about tax benefit.  -tom

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