Death and Taxes PG-13 Cham Challenge 165

[cassysj]

I do not own any recognizable characters no copyright infringement is intended.

Mick was hosting the poker game at his apartment when Beth slammed the door.

Josef sighed. “I’ll call because Blondie is going to break this up.”

Tom laughed. “Didn’t St. John get permission to have his friends over?”

Charles Riley folded. ‘Tom, when a woman slams a door you pay attention or you get divorced.

“He’s not married.” Tom said.

“Close enough.” Josef mumbed. “Full house.”

The other vamps threw down their cards and Beth came storming in. “Mick, I can’t believe…..oh…I’m sorry. I forgot the card game was here tonight. We can talk about it later.”

Mick stood up. “No, we were just about to take a break. What happened?

“It’s not a big deal. I just saw the accountant. I owe the state money. I’m so mad, I always get a refund.

Josef mumbled. “How much did they steal from you?

“A hundred and two.” Beth said indignantly

Tom scratched his head. “They must be paying better at the DA’s office. I didn’t think you even made a hundred and two thousand.

“I don’t. A hundred and two dollars. When I worked at Buzzwire I always got a refund.

“I never got a refund. Josef said.

Beth shook her head. “Never? How is that possible? You have a whole team of accountants.

“If I make so little money that I get a refund I’m doing something wrong.”

“I never got a refund either.” Charles said. “Remember the old days before PIT.

Beth frowned. “PIT?”

“Personal Income Tax. I didn’t have to deal with it until I was seventy six.”

“Don’t complain Charles. I had three centuries before my freedom was stolen.”

Tom shrugged. “I only had four years of freedom before they instituted PIT. I did get refunds though at least until I stopped working in 19.

“Nineteen what?” Beth asked.

“1919, I couldn’t keep working after I was turned. I was a fireman.”

“A fireman? How did you become a vampire?

“He saved a two thousand year old vampire from a house fire.” Josef said. “I came to play cards not talk about death and taxes.”

“I never thought about vampires and taxes.” Beth said. “Have you ever wondered how much money you’ve paid over the years?

All four vampires called out numbers ranging from one to seven hundred million dollars.

“I’ll never complain about a hundred bucks ever again.” Beth promised.

[allegrita]

OMG Beth got a good lesson in vampire economics!

[cassysj]

I figure our vamps would know to the penny how much they've paid Uncle Sam over the years. Beth could learn a lot at these poker games even though Josef doesn't want to talk about death. Although considering how a previous poker game turned out I'm amazed anyone will play with him.

[choccyterri]

This is great Cassy! Hee. It's a little bit strange to us over here in the UK. Your taxation system... but I understand what a pain it must be for all of you. Especially as the date comes looming. Making sure your tax return is in. So this is a fabulous perspective on how our vampires would see it, and inevitably compare it with the 'short term' tax a mortal has to pay. Bravo!

[Lucy]

You have nailed the quintessential message of the season...... Tax pain is all relative....until you hear how much someone else pays...you cannot appreciate your own burden.

[cassysj]

Terri - It's true taxes do make us crazy here in the States and a long life means a lot of taxes.

Lucy - Thanks it is true we all feel ours is the worst until we hear what our friends pay.