Taxation Without Representation

[JAC]

Is there any way, under the law, to file some kind of a lawsuit against the government for taxing me without me having any say in how our government is run?  In other words, to bring charges against them for taxation without representation?

Is the phrase just that - a phrase, or is there law to back it up?  Could some kind of legal case be built for demanding the government not tax without representation?


I ask because I am 17 years old, have been working since December of 2007, and I have not been able to vote in any elections or have any representation at all in any government institutions, yet I am still taxed.  I think I should at least have a say in how my money will be used, or whether I will be taxed at all, which voting will allow me, in at least a minor way, to do.  But I do not have the government's "permission" to vote, as I am under 18, and yet they still tax me.

Is there any way I can get my money back?  Or lower the voting age to include workers under the age of 18?  Or both?  By filing some kind of a lawsuit against the government?  I would really love to do this, get a lawyer and everything.  It could be an important fight not only for establishing more rights for minors, but also against the income tax.  So any help or information on the viability of such an idea, legally, would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[Coconut]

NH State Constitution:

[Art.] 12. [Protection and Taxation Reciprocal.] Every member of the community has a right to be protected by it, in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property; he is therefore bound to contribute his share in the expense of suc h protection, and to yield his personal service when necessary. But no part of a man's property shall be taken from him, or applied to public uses, without his own consent, or that of the representative body of the people. Nor are the inhabitants of thi s state controllable by any other laws than those to which they, or their representative body, have given their consent.

also:

[Art.] 28. [Taxes, by Whom Levied.] No subsidy, charge, tax, impost, or duty, shall be established, fixed, laid, or levied, under any pretext whatsoever, without the consent of the people, or their representatives in the legislature, or authority derived from that body.

^^Are you telling me there's never been a government charge that wasn't voted on by the representatives?

[JAC]

NH State Constitution:

[Art.] 12. [Protection and Taxation Reciprocal.] Every member of the community has a right to be protected by it, in the enjoyment of his life, liberty, and property; he is therefore bound to contribute his share in the expense of suc h protection, and to yield his personal service when necessary. But no part of a man's property shall be taken from him, or applied to public uses, without his own consent, or that of the representative body of the people. Nor are the inhabitants of thi s state controllable by any other laws than those to which they, or their representative body, have given their consent.

also:

[Art.] 28. [Taxes, by Whom Levied.] No subsidy, charge, tax, impost, or duty, shall be established, fixed, laid, or levied, under any pretext whatsoever, without the consent of the people, or their representatives in the legislature, or authority derived from that body.

^^Are you telling me there's never been a government charge that wasn't voted on by the representatives?

Not sure I understand your question, sorry.  Reword it if you would.

At the moment I live in California.  I am planning to move to NH this summer, after I turn 18, so as of now the NH constitution has no affect on me.  I was looking for laws more on the Federal basis.

[K. Darien Freeheart]

Is there any way, under the law, to file some kind of a lawsuit against the government for taxing me without me having any say in how our government is run?

Nope, but there is one they will use to say it's legitimate...

The Congress shall have power to lay and collect taxes on incomes, from whatever source derived, without apportionment among the several states, and without regard to any census or enumeration.

Face facts... If the accept the United States as legitimate, they are allowed to take your money. I reject those people's claims of legitimacy, will you join me?

[mackler]

"...taxation without representation?"

Is the phrase just that - a phrase, or is there law to back it up?

Yes, it's just a phrase.  It certainly doesn't appear anywhere in the federal Constitution or any federal law that I'm aware of.

If you makes you feel any better, you have no less influence now than you will after you turn 18.

[KBCraig]

Is there any way, under the law, to file some kind of a lawsuit against the government for taxing me without me having any say in how our government is run?  In other words, to bring charges against them for taxation without representation?

In other words, you want the government to tell the government to stop being the government? Not likely!

Despite America winning a revolution over taxation without representation, the founding documents do not guarantee freedom from such. Indeed, it's common:
- Overseas and ex-pat U.S. citizens have no representative in government, but remain subject to U.S. income taxes.
- Only citizens are allowed to vote in American elections, but everyone who works, resides, or shops in America pays taxes, no matter their citizenship.
- In states with sales taxes, non-residents (who cannot vote on the tax) are not exempt. All shoppers must pay. Where there are local sales taxes, the economic center (where there are stores) frequently has higher sales taxes than the surrounding rural communities (where there are few). All shoppers pay taxes to support the city, even if they don't live there.

I feel your pain, but there are certain things you just have to write off and move beyond. Arguing with the thief isn't likely to lead to the return of your stolen money.

[Pat McCotter]

Also, if you own property in a town where you do not reside (at least in NH) you have no say in the town's politics and how they spend your property tax dollars.

[JAC]

You cynics!  Haha. 

Thanks for the info though, all of you.  I was curious about the issue and you guys answered my questions very well.  I know we can all agree to condemn many government actions, and I can't wait to get to NH this August and help fight against those actions.