Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-01-25
Not oratory. But Figures Wanted.

The problem Of making out the annual
income tax return il with us again The
average corporation finds this duty rather
an irksome one, requiring frequently tho
services Of an expert in the particular line.
But the salnried or professional man
should find little TO worry him, eave tho
payment of the tax. which is never Joy
10 anyone. There are a few things which
all persons in these two classes should
keep in mind--a few questions which
should be self-asked, before the return ia
computed. These arc enumerated below
for the benefit OF those interested.
+ WasTent received from any property
Was any income received in the form Of
stock or bond dividends7
Was profit made on sales Of stocks and
bonds?
Was interest received on bank depositsf
Was commission received "a broker in
any transactions?
Was income received from royalties on
books, plays, or from patents ON in
ventions?,
Were directors or trustees fees re-
ceived for services so rendered.
Was payment received while acting as
officer in a benefit society,"
We're any bonuses received during tho
year,
Was money received from any partner
ship
Was money received from minor chill
dren at work, or from wife's income?
If the answer TO any or oil Of the above
questions is yes, the total sum 20 received
must be added TO the salary or profess
sional fees in determining whether an
income tax must be paid OF not.
II 3 man is single, or If he is married and
not living with his wife and his income
totals 81 900 or more, return must be
made, regardless Of whether his income is
non-taxable because Of dependents II a
man is married and living with his wife,
and his total income iE les than S2.hD
year, no return need he made. That "a
all there Is 70 it,
Il is interesting TO note that while
practically every man objects % the pay
ment Of an income tax. yrt the tnx hos
resulted in the ma aiority oi people giving
more Of their attention to the government
of their country Before this tax was
inaugurated the average. individual cared
little for governmental matters. 80 long
az his patty was in power. He he'd no
direct relation 60 his Federal government
in financial way lie knew how hiseity
and State taxes were expended. and Con
sequently he was interested ir the govein
ment of his municipality and common
wealth But he paid nothing directly
into the Federal treasury. ;,
This situation is now changed Practi
oally every income taxpayer is a eelf
appointed watchdog If the treasury, and
the mention Of spending s5o000.000 fer
a new battleship. or the voting of ten or
twelve millions 70 improve some far Oft
waterway excites his interest, and causes /
him to investigate the matter in q manner |
most disconceftinp, perhaps, @ his Con
gresham and Senators. who may have |
felt that the actions Of Congress were |
being little needed back hcme
There viii he less waste If Federal |
money in the future because e the |
Federal income tax, Mr.. Citizen il keeping |
'ne eye on his bank rcll and the other /
me cooked toward Congress lie docs not |
want oratorv now: he wants figures; 40, |
Is he computes his income taxhe will keep |
n touch with Congress. and sec just how |
lis share Is going 20 be spent If wisely |
ii good and well; if foolishly. then look |
nut, Every one has vote. and each in
,one taxpayer is keeping his own watch |
N the Federal treasury.