#happy 4/20 agi gets high

[theshotsheardacrossworlds]

By Your Side

Okay so this was *supposed* to be a funny "Agi gets high and is silly with Astarion" fic but it turned out a little bit more serious with added Whatever the Fuck Sorcery Agi does lol. Mostly SFW.

“How are you doing, darling?” Astarion cooed at his well, we’re not lovers in the traditional sense perhaps…companion? Yes, my companion! He looked at Agnetha with such fondness that if he saw it in anyone else, he’d scoff. But not with her and I. No, I am that fond of her. I love her so dearly.

After taking up Halsin on his offer to give her herbs to help her relax (my poor sweet deals with so much) and smoking them, she was currently staring at Astarion, her brown eyes wide but definitely glazed over. “I am fine and dandy, love. Everything is so nice, you know?”

“It is, sweetness, especially with you.” One of his pale hands tapped her thighs, and he smiled. She’s so soft and warm. Perfect. I always need to touch her…

“Ughhhhhhhh, you silly bitch, you don’t have to use your lines on me anymore. You got me!”

Did she just…?!? He laughed, squeezing her softness. “I’m a what, darling?”

She snorted. “Silly bitch. Because you are. But it’s okay obviously!!!” Good gods, she’s giving those puppy dog eyes. “Because I love you.” He opened his mouth to speak, but she placed a finger on his lips. “I know you won’t say it to me. I know. It’s okay. I know you will someday.”

“I…” He struggled to find the words, any word, to express both the relief of her reassurance and sadness. She deserves someone better than me. Someone who will tell her every moment of every day for the rest of her life that she is loved. Someone who will make love to her whenever she wishes. For as long as she desires. Someone who isn’t me. “You know I do, right? You know how I feel?” Wait, she’s high as fuck and I’m asking her about knowing how much I love her? Idiot.

Agnetha nodded, smiling happily. “’Course I do. You say it all the time without actually saying it.” She thought for a moment and then grinned. “Like when you always watch my ass in fights.” I won’t lie I do in fact do that, but I believe she meant watching her back. “You make sure I’m okay. You never let anything near me.” Not if I can help it, no. I will slaughter anyone who tries to hurt you. “You’re always trying to touch me in some way. Don’t think I don’t notice!” She just tapped her finger on her nose. Now she’s giggling like a mad woman. Agnetha undid her ponytail and twirled a few of her long, red curls between her fingers. “You brush my hair every day. You love to bathe with me. You patch up my clothes and even…you know…” Let them out as much as I’m able. We never find anything that truly fits her, poor dear. If we manage to kill Cazador, I’ll make her whatever she wants. Everything she wants. “Help me with them…I know you love me. It’s in everything you do for me. Though,” her gaze returned to his. “There is something I need to know, okay? Just one thing.”

“A-alright. What is it?” Every muscle in his body tensed, afraid of what she was going to ask.

“Will you be there when I’m old? I could understand if that’s not what you want—oh!”

Always. He hugged so hard and so quickly that she toppled backwards, her head hitting a pillow. “I will be by your side for as long as you’ll have me. I promise.” Resting his head on her ample chest, he felt her rubbing his hair.

She let out an adorable little gasp. “Forever then, Star?”

Always. “If that’s what you want, darling, then yes. Forever it is.” It won’t be forever though. She’s a human---her life will end in the blink of an eye. She’ll be gone, and I’ll be alone…alone…all alone… Blinking back tears, he nearly began to sob when she began to rub his back.

“It’s okay. I’ll think of something. I will. Just you wait and see, love…” She whispered softly, rocking them both gently. “It’s okay. I’ll do some magic shit and make it alright.”

He shook his head, a small laugh escaping him. Oh my darling girl, not everything can be solved with you thinking very hard and making magic happen. Though if anyone can, it’s you. “Will you now?”

“Yep.”

Well, that’s definitive.

***

Ten years after their marriage, Astarion was astounded to learn that his wife did indeed “do some magic shit” to make eternity less painful for him. With spells she composed herself (using that beautiful tempest swirling inside her and…feelings, I suppose), she managed to accomplish three things: 1) that her body would remain the same with every reincarnation; 2) that she and Astarion were soul bound to each other; and 3) that they would find each other after her twenty-first nameday. “Because of the binding, we’ll be drawn to each other, seek the other out.” She took one of his hands in hers, her brown eyes full of joy. “You won’t wait too long, love.”

He leaned to her, a hand cupping her cheek. As his lips touched hers (perfect every time), he smiled. “And how will you know that I’m your husband?”

Agnetha chuckled softly. “Just trust me that I’ll know. It’s all up here,” she tapped her head. “And here.” She then tapped her chest over her heart. “After all, I haven’t failed you yet, my naughty little bat.”

Astarion kissed her again, this time with a little more passion, hands sneaking around her much thicker and more delicious waist. “The most popular tailor shop in Baldur’s Gate and seven children. I’d say you haven’t failed me yet, no.” He teased. His fangs scraped lightly over her lips, which never fails to turn her on. “Not that you could anyways, dear.”

She wrinkled her nose and giggled. “Flatterer.” The human placed an affectionate kiss on his nose and cupped his face. “Now we’ll be together forever. Just not in the way that either of us imagined.”

He knew what she meant. The ritual. I had it all planned, you see. I’d complete the ritual, become the Vampire Ascendant, and convince Agi to let me make her into a vampire spawn. There---problem solved. What a fool I was! I would not trade our lives together and the lives we created for anything. “But it is so delightfully us, isn’t it? Full of love and adoration and only slightly mad.”

“Only slightly.” She teased, pressing several kisses to his lips. Gods, I cannot get enough of her. Not now. Not ever. “My mad husband who wants a dozen little dhampirs…”

Two at play at this game, madam. He clicked his tongue as one of the hands on her waist squeezed. “My equally mad wife who wants a dozen little dhampirs and lets me spoil her rotten—”

“Daddy? Mummy?”

Someone didn’t lock the door, Agi.

With one last peck, Agnetha looked at the toddler in their doorway. Pale ginger curls framed the boy’s round face, and ruby eyes glanced between his parents. “What’s the matter, my little love?” She beckoned him over, and he scurried to his mother and soon settled in her arms. “Did you have a bad dream?”

He nodded. “Scary…”

“My poor little Sylven! You can stay with us tonight, darling.” Astarion cooed as he ruffled his son’s hair. The toddler snuggled against his mother, a sight that before his capture by the mindflayers would have disgusted him. But not anymore. Not when I have them. Emilia, Ariane, Sophie, Nessa, Helene, Thora, and Sylven.

And my darling girl.

Before long, the small boy fell asleep cuddled against his mother while his adoring father rubbed circles into his back. “Did I tell what happened earlier?”

He rolled his eyes. “Sweetness, that could be anything.”

She stuck her tongue out. “Fine. Anyways, I asked Sylven when he was playing with the blocks what he wanted to be when he grew up.”

“The suspense is killing me, dear.” Astarion deadpanned, kissing Sylven’s curls.

The look in her eyes turned dreamy. “Daddy. He said Daddy. He wants to be you, love. That was the sweetest damn thing.” She turned her head to face him. “And you thought he wouldn’t love you.” His wife teased, capturing his lips in a gentle kiss.

The second we saw that he was a boy I panicked. With the girls it’s so easy for me. I make them the prettiest outfits in Baldur’s Gate, make matching ones for their favorite dolls…have so many tea parties where we gossip like spinster aunts. But a boy. The girls are learning archery so he can too, I suppose. What was I to do with him? I was terrified. And as always, my infinitely wiser wife was correct: “Just go with the flow and listen to him.” Going with the flow has turned out to be excellent advice because he is glued to me, especially when we’re in the shop. He wants to watch me work and pretend he’s sewing too. My little boy wants to be…me. Me. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he nodded before giving her another kiss. “Happy to be proven wrong, darling.”

“I see! Well, I’ll note that for future reference.” She noted rather too smugly. Has she been learning this from me? Because I’m so flattered, dearest. For the next several minutes, they settled in a comfortable if exceedingly sleepy silence. Agnetha’s breathing became slower and deeper, and her eyes fluttered open and closed.

“Silly goose. Go to sleep.” Astarion chided his wife gently, now laying on his side. Rest. You need rest. Between the children, the shop, and ensuring I’m fed every day, you need to rest, darling. “Don’t stay awake for me. I’ll trance in a while.”

A small smile tugged on her pretty lips. “Forever…it isn’t what either of us thought but…we’ll be together…forever…” Eyes full of sleep, she held Sylven closer to her. “Love you, my shining star…”

“As I love you, my darling girl. Have the sweetest dreams for us…”

Always.

Forever.

[magicmysterio]

2019 Top 9: Albums

agI was tagged both for my main and my sideblog (@gay-ouijaboard) by @johanna-swann to list the 9 albums most important to me in 2019! I’ll just make one post here and reblog it! Thank you so much <3

Unfortunately this will also expose me as the huge fucking emo I am.

1. A Lesson in Romantics - Mayday Parade. I’m gonna start off with one of my all time favorite albums ever! I don’t know what it is about this album that just makes me love it but literally all of the songs are so good. 

2. Infinity on High - Fall Out Boy. It wouldn’t be me if i didn’t mention fob so I thought I might as well get it over with, probably my favorite fob album ever, Hum Hallelujah and GINASFS are songs that mean a lot to me so when I finally got this album on vinyl earlier this year I was so happy!

3. Good & Evil - Tally Hall. Shout out to my buddy Rachel (@phriskiphriski) for getting me to listen to Tally Hall, it’s such a good album and whenever I listen to it I think of her <3

4. Tell All Your Friends - Taking Back Sunday. God it was so difficult to decide just one album for Taking Back Sunday especially since my favorite song by

5. Enema of The State - blink-182. I got into listening to blink this year and my favorite album of them was Take Off Your Pants And Jacket until I accidentally bought Enema on vinyl instead and now I love it! Plus! It celebrated 20 years 2019 so I feel like it deserves the spot!

6. Nothing Personal - All Time Low. Speaking of, NP celebrated 10 years in 2019 and it’s come to mean a lot to me thanks to a friend and a whole lot of really, really bad pick up lines. 

7. Sorry, Mom - Destroy Boys. What can I say except that it just slaps, 2019 was a year of discovering a lot of new music for me and Destroy Boys was one of my favorite discoveries!

8. Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge - My Chemical Romance. I am wearing my three cheers shirt as I am typing this. They’re back and ready to kick ass and I could not be happier.

9. ¡Viva la Cobra! - Cobra Starship. I saved the best for last y’all, Cobra Starship fucking slaps, Gabe Saporta is a Legend and I can not help but stan. 

I’m just gonna tag a few mutuals and buddies but please feel free to do this and just say I tagged you if you want to.

@raz0rrat @agaytoremembr @phriskiphriski @citri-ne @officialbabet @unicorn-double-barrel-special @universebabyy @eccentric-eli

[nuka-nuke]

| Edsel Euler |

Name: Edsel Jack Lincoln Euler

Nickname:  Red

Age: 20

Birthday: December 13th, 2082

Height: 5’10

Weight: 173lbs

Specials: Str  3 - Per 10 - End 8  - Cha 1  - Int  8 - Agi  12 - Luck - 3

Eyes: Hazel gray

Hair: Vibrant ginger, always kept a little long (like his father), and sometimes pulled up into a ponytail.

Body type: He likes to run and climb a lot, so he has toned legs and arms. Over all not particularly strong, kind of scrawny compared to his brother. Still says he is stronger than Elijah. Actually isn’t.

References: Here

Status Pre-War: Not born yet.

Status Currently: Causing chaos and explosions in Appalachia and giving his brother a life long headache.

Relationship Status: Taken

Spouse(s)/Partners: Lena Riggs

Sexuality: Heterosexual

Gender: Male

Ethnicity: Greek/American

Family: Red’s father is Ford Euler, who is the brother of Jack Euler. Ford is mostly ghoulified,  quiet, mild tempered and has severe anxiety. He barely ever leaves their home and if he does, Red’s Aunt Jolene has to come with him. Ford used to be slightly more adventurous before the war, but after the “loss" of his best friend and brother, Jack, and the death of his wife Alyce, his disability became crippling and he can’t do much without falling into a panic.

Red’s mother, Alcyoneus, was a psychiatrist before the war who became a Responder afterwards. She came upon the Euler homestead while searching for survivors and for some reason was immediately smitten with Ford (who was so shy he could barely formulate a sentence when around her). She ended up staying and eventually married him, but died from complications of child birth shortly after having the twins.

His Aunt Jolene and her wife Emma also live with them, along with her daughter Lorna May. Lorna May is Red’s best friend and partner in crime since he was born. They both get into a lot of reckless mischief together and Red has been trying to beat her in a fight for as long as he was able to swing a punch. Lorna May has always won (and broken his nose a couple times), but he still tries.

His twin brother is Elijah Euler. Elijah is Red’s complete opposite. Where Red is full of emotions that are all on the surface, Elijah keeps his locked up deep inside and very rarely shows them. He comes off harsh and aggressive, but Red loves him excessively and smothers him in affection (much to Eli’s chagrin). Despite that, Eli is extremely protective of both Red and Lorna May and even knocked out Lorna May’s vaultie boyfriend for enthusiastically telling Red that he was named after the ugliest car ever manufactured. He also completely destroys anyone who dares to mess with Ford, but he is the only one in their family who doesn’t baby him for his disabilities.

Languages: English

Disabilities/Illnesses/Injuries: Red has scars on his face which are the beginnings of ghoulification. He has panic attacks about it which are completely paralyzing, similar to his father’s brand of anxiety.

Allergies: None.

Scars: Losing the skin across his right cheek up to his ear. Other much smaller spots showing the signs of ghoulification along his chest, right leg, and hips. Tons of scars on his legs and elbows from being extremely clumsy and hurting himself all the time. Burn scar on the front and side of his left shoulder… from playing with explosives.

Physical traits: Red has very large eyes with long dark eyelashes. He has freckles which are somewhat hidden because of the rosacea on his cheeks, his beard, and the scars, and otherwise looks almost exactly like his mother; with a huge mouth and overbite that always looks vaguely like he’s grinning, a very long pointed nose, an unpronounced forehead, and big ears. His twin, looking more like Ford, looks almost nothing like him.

Voice: He always sounds very upbeat and happy, his voice is not very deep and sometimes he talks so fast that his words blend together. He does not have the country accent that Lorna May has, and likes to poke fun at her when she accidentally lets it slip too much (and you better believe he gets punched).

Clothing: More often than anything, Red wears dresses. Eli questions his fashion choices all the time, and there is really no reason, he just likes them. He usually wears a cowboy hat and either the scarf his mother made for Ford covering the lower half of his face, a surgical mask, or an old faded red bandana Lena gave him because he is self conscious about his scars. When it is too cold to wear a dress, he has black military boots he wears with jeans and either just a sweater as a shirt or a ragged fur-lined vest with any variety of shirt under.

Fashion Style/Lifestye: Cowboy in a pretty dress…

Weapon of Choice:  Bolt action hunting rifle (with a silencer) and a clunky old pump action shotgun.

Skills: Red is very good with a rifle and always enjoys hunting. He is extremely stealthy (when he wants to be, otherwise he can be just as reckless as his cousin), even choosing to mostly wear soft-soled sneakers to assist in his preferred combat method. He’s also able to run for pretty much forever and rarely gets tired, much like Lorna May. Very good with explosives, after many failed and painful trials. And he’s a fantastic cook, as long as what you’re hoping to eat is mostly meat.

Weaknesses: Way too emotional a lot of the time, easily gets his feelings hurt, relies on his brother too much. Also has bouts of anxiety like his dad.

Poor skills: Poor depth perception, super clumsy, easily distracted: he falls off of cliffs a lot. Good thing there are stimpaks, otherwise he’d pretty much have broken bones all the time. He’s also not very strong and therefore isn’t too great at hand to hand combat (though he would tell you otherwise). For some reason always thinks leaping off a tall building/mountain is the best way down instead of, y'know… stairs?

Affiliations: Vault 76 dwellers

Former Affiliations: None.

Enemies: None.

Neutral Affiliations: Responders.

Religion: Agnostic

Likes: His family, his brother especially, hunting, cooking, cars (for exploding), setting things on fire, playing banjo (though he isn’t that great), battling Lorna May,  climbing up the tallest things he can find and just admiring the view. And then jumping off.

Dislikes: Jolene and Ford have had their orchard since before the war, and Red’s very least favorite chore is always going out and picking the peaches. He would much rather go out with a pistol and shoot mole rats while Eli does the picking. He also isn’t a fan of snow. He was born in a nuclear winter, he’d be happy to never see snow again (it’s slightly better when Lena is around to enjoy it with).

Hates: His scars.

Friends: Lorna May Euler, Elijah Euler, Jimmy, Lena Riggs, Gilroy O’Niell, Ava (who he also used to have a crush on but… don’t tell Lena, she’s scary when she’s jealous), Daisy Wilson

Acquaintances: Other Vault dwellers he has come upon in his travels

Former friends: After the death of Alyce, Jolene became even more fiercely protective of her family. Elijah and Red were very rarely allowed to associate with outsiders until they were much older, unlike Lorna May,  so they didn’t meet many other humans before the Vault opened.

Enemies: Eli’s pet squirrel. He hates that thing. Plus Eli gives it more affection than he gives him…

Also Chester Sullivan, because he is terrifying.

Pets: None.

Personality: Red is energetic and mostly always happy, but he definitely wears his heart on his sleeve. Despite his very low charisma, he is not really that shy and has a hard time containing his feelings, and he will blurt things out without actually meaning to. He also is definitely an instigator and can pester people about things if he thinks it’s funny to. Despite growing up in complete solitude from other humans, he is very empathetic and always tries to help people even if it is definitely not a good idea to do so.

He is very expressive, loving and completely loyal to those he cares for. Because of his lack of previous socialization, however, he has absolutely no idea how to handle it when he has a crush on someone, and also becomes smitten nearly immediately after meeting them. Where ordinarily he is extremely affectionate to everyone, if he likes someone romantically he’s more of the awkward high-five/thumbs up instead of kiss kind of guy and would take a very long time before getting to anything more than that.

Favorite color: Though everyone assumes it is red because of his nickname, it’s actually pink and purple.

Favorite foods:  He makes some excellent opossum bacon. Also his Aunt Jolene’s pumpkin pie.

Favorite drinks: Mutfruit juice, Nuka Cola Quantum, coffee (not that he needs it), moonshine (which he makes himself).

Favorite Sweets: Blackberry cobbler, peach cobbler, pumpkin pie, just about any baked sweets and pastries.

_____________________________________

Other info: He later has three kids with Lena; their son, Landon Gabriel Adam Euler, and twin daughters, Lindsay Lee Alyce Euler and Winnebago “Winnie” Edsel Angela Euler.

By the time of Fallout 4, Red is still alive and completely ghoulified along with Ford.

Thanks as always @madddraws for the profile layout!

[christophergill8]

Spring cleaning could help cut your tax bill as long as you properly value your donated goods

I am so, so sorry my dear friends in the MidAtlantic and Northeastern United States. I know you're looking at possibly more snow with possibly the fourth nor'easter in three weeks forecast to hit your areas in a few days.

Here in Central Texas and other parts of the country, however, spring has officially arrived!

My Texas neighbors and I are enjoying the seasonal wildflowers. Thank you, Lady Bird Johnson! (Photo by Kay Bell)

It's also the traditional time for cleaning up and clearing out your house.

Some of those old and/or unused items can be tossed. Others, however, are in good enough shape to go to a thrift shop, consignment store or, for possible tax purposes, a charity.

Still deductible and more so for some: The recent tax law changes left the itemized deduction for charitable gifts in place. In fact, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) makes it easier for wealthier people to give even more.

For the 2017 tax year, which is what you're focusing on if you're still working on your Form 1040 due by April 17th this year, you can donate, in most cases, up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI). If your AGI is $50,000 you can give away $25,000 and still get a tax deduction for it on last year's taxes.

The TCJA, however, has pushed that limitation up to 60 percent of AGI.

Most of us won't ever have to worry about hitting that threshold. We're generous, but we've also got day-to-day living expenses to cover. 

But if you're rich and wealthy enough to give that much, your favorite charity thanks you.

Donations less tax valuable for some: On the other hand, the TCJA might stifle some charitable giving.

The tax changes that took effect this year have dramatically increased the standard deduction amounts, which means that fewer folks are likely to itemize. 

Charitable groups fear that without the tax break, they'll lose some — possibly a lot — of their usual philanthropic gifts.

Valuing donated goods: If you give even though you won't get a tax benefit for it, good for you!

But it you can still take advantage of the charitable deduction, don't waste it. Especially when you're donating clothing and household goods in addition to cash.

Just make sure your estimation of the value of your physical gifts is legit. Yes, you have to come up with the value to claim.

Be careful here. Internal Revenue Service examiners have been around long enough to spot inflated donation amounts.

The general rule is that you use the donated item's fair market value. You can get an idea of what that is in your area by visiting secondhand stores or yard sales. IRS Publication 561 also offers some guidance on how to arrive at an acceptable valuation.

You also can review the tables below to help you get what you should for your donations without prompting added IRS interest. I've based the amounts on valuation guidelines provided by Goodwill and the Salvation Army for items that are commonly dropped off at those charities' donation facilities.

Clothing Values from lowest to highest average 

Clothing article Women’s attire Men’s attire Children’s attire Blouse, shirt $2 to $12 $2 to $12 $1 to $8 T-shirt $0.50 to $4 $0.50 to $6 $0.50 to $2 Sweater $3.75 to $15 $2.50 to $15 $1 to $8 Skirt $2 to $12 -- $1 to $6 Dress $4 to $28 -- $2 to $12 Slacks $3.50 to $23 $2 to $15 $1 to $8 Jeans $4 to $21 $4 to $21 $2 to $12 Jacket $4 to $12 $6 to $12 $1 to $6 Business suit $5 to $30 $10 to $30 -- Overcoat $7 to $40 $7 to $60 $3 to $20 Shoes $2 to $25 $3.50 to $25 $2 to $8.75 Swimsuit $4 to $12 $2.50 to $12 $1 to $6 Handbag/briefcase/backpack $2 to $40 $2 to $40 $1 to $15 Evening attire $10 to $60 $10 to $60 --

  Household Goods

Item Low to High Value Item Low to High Value Kitchen utensils $0.50 to $1.50 Washing machine $40-$150 Glasses/mugs/cups $0.50 to $1.50 Dryer $45 to $90 Plates $0.50 to $3 Color television $75 to $225 Pots and pans $1 to $3 Radio $2 to $50 Kitchen/dinette set $40 to $900 Stereo $15 to 75 Sofa $30 to $200 VCR/DVD player $8 to $15 Coffee table $10 to $65 Records, CDs, DVDs $1 to $5 End table $4 to $50 Books, paperback $0.75 to $2 Throw rug $1.50 to $12 Books, hardcover $1 to $3 Chair $5 to $100 Desk $25 to $140 Bedroom set $250 to $1,000 Computer monitor $5 to $50 Dressers $20 to $60 Printer $5 to $150 Bed linens $2 to $8 Lamp $4 to $50 Quilt, bedspread $3 to $24 Vacuum cleaner $15 to $65 Blanket, afghan $2 to $15 Lawn mower $25 to $100 Bath towels $0.50 to $4 Bicycle $5 to $80 Air conditioner $20 to $90 Puzzles, board games $0.50 to $3 Heater $7.50 to $22 Stuffed animals $0.50 to $1 Electric stove $75 to $150 Ice skates $3 to $15 Gas stove $50 to $125 Roller blades $3 to $15 Microwave oven $10 to $50 Tennis racket $2 to $5 Refrigerator $75 to $250 Golf clubs $2 to $25

  A few final tax notes: In order to claim your charitable donation deduction, you must follow all the current tax laws about such gifts.

All your contributed items, from clothing to household goods like furniture,  must be in good or better shape.

Give your items (and cash) only to eligible organizations if you want to deduct the donations. You can make sure the charity is eligible by using the IRS' Exempt Organizations Select Check. You also want to make sure it's a real nonprofit, not one created as part of a tax scam.

About those deductions, as my earlier reference about itemizing indicates, you must claim your donations on Schedule A. If you take the standard deduction, you don't get this tax break.

Finally, get a receipt.

Happy spring cleaning and, if it works for your personal filing situation, tax deducting!

You also might find these items of interest:

DST and tax-deductible donations can help save wildlife  

Uncommon charitable gifts still provide donors the typical tax deduction

Volunteer time is not tax deductible, but some related contributions might be 

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from Tax News By Christopher http://www.dontmesswithtaxes.com/2018/03/charity-donation-valuations-spring-cleaning-tax-deduction.html

[christophergill8]

4 Obamacare taxes the GOP vows to end

Senators and Representatives are headed back to their states and Congressional districts for the long President's Day weekend. Tucked into the bags that Republicans are taking home are some talking points on how they plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA), popularly known as Obamacare.

Image by Shawn Campbell via Flickr Creative Commons

The Grand Old Party's policy paper says it aims to "provide relief from all the Obamacare tax increases."

That's a big list.

4 targeted ACA taxes: The independent website Obamacare Facts lists 21 taxes, seven of which directly affected individuals.

I've culled that individual ACA tax list a bit more, focusing on four taxes that Republicans say are on the chopping block.

1. The Medicine Cabinet Tax This moniker was given to the provision that limits the use of money from flexible spending account and other similar medical arrangements to pay for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. This account money used to be easily available for such common grocery and drugstore purchases like cold medicines, allergy pills, and dozens of other off-the-shelf items. But since 2011, the ACA has required FSA etc. owners to get a doctor's prescription for the OTC meds. Without a physician's official order, the medications can't be purchased with or reimbursed from the tax-favored medical accounts.

2. Flexible Spending Account Cap FSAs took another hit in 2013. That year the amount of money you could put into these accounts, which are added to via payroll deposits before any taxes are calculated, was capped at $2,500. Previously there was no limit on how much a worker could put into an FSA, but most companies used the $5,000 that statutorily applies to the sister dependent care spending account. Granted, not a lot of folks put five grand into their FSAs. But still, the policy irked folks.

At least the limit is adjusted annually for inflation. For 2016 it was $2,550. This year, it's bumped up to $2,600.

3. Medical Deduction Threshold 2013 was a big year for Obamacare taxes. That also was the year that the threshold many folks had to exceed in order to claim an itemized deduction for medical and dental expenses went up from 7.5 percent of adjusted gross income (AGI) to 10 percent. This hike means that folks younger than 65 had to have more medical costs in order to get the Schedule A deduction.

Taxpayers 65 and older still got the 7.5 percent cutoff, but that changes this year. For 2017, all taxpayers must meet/exceed the 10 percent AGI threshold.

4. Shared Responsibility Tax This tax was created as a way to get us to comply with the ACA's individual mandate; that's the requirement that we all have minimal essential coverage during the full tax year. The tax penalty for noncompliance was low enough in the beginning that many folks found it more cost-efficient to pay the penalty rather than purchase insurance.

The penalty, however, has increased each year. On 2016 tax returns that are to be filed this year, the maximum is $695 per uninsured month. If it's not repealed, the tax cost will stay at that level (thanks, low inflation) in 2017.

Many Americans, even those who support Obamacare, aren't happy with a lot of the taxes created under the program. I've heard from disgruntled readers for years about the OTC FSA restrictions, and gotten a few grumbles about the FSA dollar limits and higher itemized medical deduction threshold.

What's the cost? But the tax provisions were created to help pay for the overall health care reform program.

Republicans swear they can provide the same coverage to the 20 million or more who now have insurance under the Affordable Care Act and do so without these and other Obamacare taxes.

We shall see.

In its 19-page health care policy document, the GOP says it will use tax credits, an expansion of health savings accounts, money for high risk pools to care for the sick and a major restructuring of Medicaid to cap federal payments.

But while the paper includes lots of numbers related to Obamacare, it doesn't have dollar figures for any of the Republican proposals.

Lawmakers said that is because the Congressional Budget Office is still analyzing the plan. I look forward to its fiscal analysis.

You also might find these items of interest:

Obamacare tax filing tips as we wait for its repeal

Trump backs off pledge to end Obamacare entirely

Comparing tax-favored HSA, HRA & FSA medical options

from Tax News By Christopher http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DontMessWithTaxes/~3/vWhbzpwis08/4-obamacare-taxes-the-gop-vows-to-end.html