I found out today that Olympians are paid by the Olympic Committee
for medals won. I never knew this, I also found out that all American Olympians
that win a medal not only owe taxes on the cash prizes but owe taxes for the
value of the medal as well. A Republican out of Florida Senator Marco Rubio has
introduced a bill that would exempt American Olympians from paying taxes all
together. My first initial response was “wow are you kidding me, taxing
Olympians?” Rubio's office says that the Olympics are unique, with U.S.
athletes volunteering to represent the country, and that success should be
celebrated, not taxed.
Oh boy I can’t believe I’m going to say this but I disagree.
I mean let’s look at this another way, the ultimate volunteer, the one who
sacrifices more than any of us are the men and women that volunteer into the
armed forces. I have never seen any
legislation that would allow anyone in the armed forces to be exempt from
federal tax, although some states will not tax you. Now let’s get a little real
here, Olympians are not sacrificing, they chose this, this is an honor for them, this is
something they have dreamed about, no one asked them, if you win you get paid,
if you get paid it’s income, if you have income you should pay taxes. The
Olympics are not unique, it is sports. Sorry Senator Rubio as much as I
appreciate every Olympic medal won and congratulate every American medal
winner, I still believe they should pay taxes.
Let the throwing of tomatoes commence!
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