As Certain As Death And Taxes And, Well, Death Taxes

With governments scrambling to cover deficits here's some of their most outrageous new taxes

If you needed any more proof that our state, local and federal budget spending is out of control, here it is. In an effort to get out from under record deficits and support their spending habits, politicians from Seattle to New York and everywhere in between have cooked up some outrageous taxes.

Some of these taxes are already on the books, some are just up for debate, but all show you just how far politicians will go to put a little more of your money in their pockets.

Sin tax
Let's start with so-called "sin taxes," which have always been popular with politicians. Taxing items seen as vices — such as smoking, drinking and gambling — is seen as an easy way to raise tax revenue. But the definition of "sin" seems to be expanding ...

Card tax
Here's proof that some politicians are a few cards short of a full deck. Anyone who purchases a deck of cards in the state of Alabama must pay a "card tax" of 10 cents. However, the law claims that the tax must be levied on the purchase of any deck containing "no more than 54 cards" so if you are lucky enough to find a deck with 55 cards, you're home free! Really, how much money can this possibly raise?

WalletPop: Beware free tax preparation scams

Nudity tax In Utah, any businesses where "nude or partially nude individuals perform any service" have to pay a 10 percent sales and use tax. This tax is applied to all revenue from admission fees as well as merchandise, food, drink and "services" sales.

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