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That would require that "virtually everyone" is a business, which is not the case. Somewhere less than 5% of the U.S. population run businesses. Again, contrary to the misinformation rampant in this discussion, individual expenditures that are not business expenses won't require 1099s. (Did anyone even read the linked article?)

Even if that were not the case, it would hardly be a 1984 scenario, especially given that there are no criminal penalties for failing to file the 1099s. That's pretty absurdly embarrassing hyperbole that makes you sound like you came from DailyKos or something. The war on drugs is more of a 1984 scenario than requiring 1099s is, especially since it comes with widespread criminal penalties.




To add to your point, a couple weeks ago I saw a dozen hysterical media reports concerning another provision slipped into the bill, this time regarding the sale of gold. Supposedly, the government wants all gold sellers to report any transactions exceeding $600. I've researched a bit and it turned out to be the same legislation - only sales between businesses are required to be reported, and there is nothing specific about gold, it's just part of the same 1099 provision.

Don't get me wrong, I've been outraged by the practice of concealing unrelated bits of legislation inside various bills for years, but to say that this is worse than war is truly an exaggeration. Major annoyance, yes, but still quite a bit better than being shot.


It's not a 1984 scenario, no one has video surveillance in their house, and you can have sex without being executed. You win.

On the other hand, this is a pretty big deal, and your reply doesn't justify it. Yes, not everyone "is" a business, but everyone relies on the economy every day. Adding a not insignificant overhead to the companies that bring you food, water, electricity, etc. makes those items more expensive. Also, increasing overhead in businesses makes it harder to start businesses, which is sort of relevant given that we're on YC news.


>it would hardly be a 1984 scenario, especially given that there are no criminal penalties for failing to file the 1099s.

I think that's the key of it right there. The worst the IRS could do if you failed to file the 1099s is... force you to file the 1099s. The horror.


They could also fine you or use it as an excuse to audit. Both of those things are pretty unattractive for a small business.




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