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Politics & Government

Hultgren Calls for 2 'Common-Sense' Tax Brackets

The "Your Federal Taxpayer Reciept" widget, attached here, tells literally how much of your tax dollar went where. U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren is using it to illustrate his call for simplifying tax codes.

Tax day came and went a few days ago, but it was an occasion Congressman Randy Hultgren used to call for tax reform in the FY14 budget.

"On Tax Day, hardworking Americans are reminded of the burden of our current tax code and the need for comprehensive tax reform to create a simpler, fairer one," Hultgren said. "Tax reform will help create a stronger economy — leading to more jobs, better take home pay and more opportunity for every family. The federal budget I helped to pass in the House last month would achieve this by replacing today's complex, costly and time-consuming tax code with two common-sense brackets to allow families keep more of their hard-earned money."

"I am calling on the President and the Senate to make tax reform a cornerstone of any budget deal we agree to this year. A simpler, fairer tax code would help every American family, job creator and entrepreneur and serve as a catalyst for a new era of growth and opportunity."

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the modern income tax, instituted through the 16th Amendment in 1913. In 1913, instructions for the 1040 form were just one page. Today, instructions are 189 pages, along with dozens of additional schedules and forms.

Click HERE for an interactive taxpayer receipt that shows how much of your tax dollars went to pay different aspects of the federal budget last year.

Find out what's happening in Genevawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

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