Squeezing More Money From the Tax Code

Re “Don’t Blow It on Loopholes,” editorial, May 2: When is a tax loophole a loophole? A tax loophole is when an individual finds a way to get around the tax code. This is not the case with vehicles purchased out of state that must remain out of state for 90 days. Supporters of the change like to point to yachts. However, the majority of individuals using this tax code are, like myself, retired, on a fixed income and middle class. We purchase an RV and have the time to live in the RV, as required by the code, for 90 days, out of state. I understand that there is an effort to eliminate the deduction of interest payments for a second (vacation) home. This provision also applies to an RV, because it has full living facilities. I urge all taxpayers to write their legislators and tell them to back off.

Ed Burrows

Agoura Hills

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Puh-lease! Anyone who sees the “yacht tax loophole” as anything other than theft is either a moron or a thief. This law is designed for one reason only: to help rich people buy million-dollar boats and get out of paying the normal $80,000 tax, period.

I don’t care where they’re going. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being kept out of the California budget. If you want to cast off, pay up.

Bart Braverman

Los Angeles