There's been a great number of disputable matters discussed on this thread as related to a tax code that nobody can fully comprehend. However, there has been a predominant, but no less sad position taken by many people who've commented. This position is having the mindset that income belongs first and foremost to the government and not the wage earner.
Before the end of 2017, I will have mailed off more money in direct tax payments to the IRS than most people will make in 2 years income (no penalties or interest involved). So yes, I have a very strong opinion on the matter ;-)