Another Hit for Non Custodial Parents
by Lynn Schultz
I just did my tax return for 2008 and I will owe $2,100. It might as well be $21 million. I had to take an early distribution on my IRA ($11,000) in 2008 to pay attorney fees and court costs. Unfortunately that cost me $1,100. I have no tax deductions because I can't claim my two kids. I can't even claim one of my kids. That does not seem fair. I am living at poverty level and make very little, pay $544 a month to my kid's father who makes $15,000 a month. I make $1,500 a month. After my child support deduction I only bring home $250 a week. I can't make it on that much less pay $2,100 in income taxes. What's wrong with this picture??? I am not a bad person, a bad parent or a person living off government assistance (yet). I am a single, non custodial mom living in poverty because our Family Laws for child support are unfair and the tax rates are unfair as well. I am also canceling my Medical Insurance because I can no longer afford the premium. Why am I even trying? I'll tell you why....because I love my children. Otherwise I would just drop out! Every day I think about it........I don't know what will happen in the future but my "Now" seems bleak. I already work two jobs......should I be working every day and night of the week? I am 48 years old and just don't have the physical energy anymore. I really don't have the emotional energy, because society is telling me I don't matter because I don't have my kids living with me all the time.
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