Idea: Tax incentive for reducing commute.

[jayctravis]

If during a tax year someone relocates their residence 20 miles or more closer to the workplace they commute to, they get a tax deduction.

I'm sure there's something wrong with this. It would provide an incentive to cut 40 miles of commuting per day, save the person gas money, wear and tear on the car and the roads, and reduce pollution by a fraction.

Has this been tried or suggested before?

[hfojvt]

1. for me anything involving a "tax incentive" is a bad Republican idea

Why? Because families of four making less than $39,000 already do not pay any taxes. So, it's only another tax break for those already above the median income. If people will not do something that saves them $1200 in gas expenses plus wear and tear on their vehicle plus something like an hour a day in time, then a tax incentive is not gonna help either.

[truedelphi]

2. It sounds like it is a great idea.

But in places like the san Francisco Bay Area, so many of the areas close to jobs are green belted. And the homes are pricey.

If you win the lottery, this might be possible. But otherwise, how would a working person afford it? Three bedroom bungalow with small yard for 1.2 million. Or $ 1800 for a two bedroom place with only a balcony.

And since for many of us, we wonder if our jobs will even be around in six months (merger possibilities, tempermental bosses or weird co-workers) it would be an iffy thing to do.

On the other hand, having businesses encourage people to work from home one or two days or more, there's an idea I could get behind.

[jayctravis]

3. I knew there were things wrong with the idea.

The other is that if someone can afford to live over 20 miles from their job and commute, they don't necessarily *need* a tax break.

The reason I thought of this is my situation - I live near the state line and work in the city just over the border. I'm by no means wealthy but I and I'm sure hundreds of other people commute at least that far every day. I also understand that big cities like San Francisco it's *way* more expensive to move close, but in areas like regional St. Louis there are thousands of commuters from outlying regions there are relatively affordable apartments nearby.

[truedelphi]

5. I actually like the idea of a tax break for those who move in closer to their jobs

Wish I hadn't come across so negatively.

In many places it might work. And since there are many of those areas, why not try it?

I do know that people always feel that the schools in the 'burbs are better than the cityschools. That would be one area of resistance.

And I much prefer the idea of a tax credit for those who don't commute than the "environmentalists" idea of taxing gas an extra amount inside certain areas. (They just did this in San Francisco - gas has an added 10 cents tax) Lets the wealthy with their Prius' feel oh so good and further punishes those who have been forced out of the metro areas because of the high home prices.

[rucky]

4. And/or subsidize public transportation

to make it even more affordable?

[SoCalDem]

7. My son was lucky enough to work from the spare bedroom/office

for 4 years.. and then he got a promotion so he has to commute to Oakland now, but luckliy, they only live a few minutes from Bart..and the stop he uses on Bart..is in the basement of his building in Oakland :evilgrin:.. But he still hates having to "dress up" for work :) Guess what he got for Xmas?? nice duds :)

[SoCalDem]

6. Most people do not have the luxury of changing jobs or moving

With health insurance tied into employment, we are serfs, bound to the "master" for our very lives.. and if one is renting with a lease or buying a home, it's not easy to "just move"..

What needs to happen is for the US to get SMART about mass transportation and to pass legislation MANDATING truly "affordable" housing in ALL locales..

My son lives in Concord CA, and the people who work locally rarely can afford to actually LIVE in Concord, so even the lower paid workers must commute. 1 bedroom apartments there go for $1500 & up a month PLUS utilities..

My son & his wife are the ONLY young people in their neighborhood because most young people cannot afford to buy a house, and the older folks who live there cannot afford to move unless they plan to severely downsize or move away..

[Solon]

8. Not practical for a majority of people, the incentive would have to be huge...

to make it worthwhile. Most people in this country live far away from their jobs mostly because of the cost of their homes and because of zoning. Unless the government is willing to foot the bill for a new residence, or guarantee a job closer to home, this type of idea would never get off the ground.

[taught_me_patience]

9. I think this is a good idea

It probably wouldn't work because living in downtown would be too expensive even with a tax break. However, it might get some people to consider moving closer to work or looking for jobs closer to where they live. This is good outside the box thinking!