Posted on 04/22/2015 1:45:36 PM PDT by SeekAndFind
The flat tax is back.
Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rand Paul (R-Ky.) have both floated an across-the-board tax rate as they've launched their 2016 presidential bids.
Neither Cruz nor Paul has spelled out the exact details of their plan, but both senators clearly see the flat tax as a way to appeal to both free-market conservatives that advocate for broad-based tax cuts, and the Tea Party sympathizers concerned with government intrusion.
Moving to a simple flat tax and just padlocking the IRS I think that is a powerful populist issue, Cruz said Friday on The Adam Carolla Show.
But moving the government to a single tax rate a plan popularized by Steve Forbes almost 20 years ago also has its share of critics on the right, underscoring the debate within the GOP about how to best craft economic policy.
On top of that, a Republican presidential candidate who pushes for a flat tax could have difficulty selling that plan to the broader electorate, should they win the GOP nomination.
Mitt Romney, for instance, released a second tax plan after his rivals for the 2012 GOP nomination rolled out more aggressive proposals only to be hammered in his race against President Obama as seeking to raise deficits and shift the tax burden toward the middle-class.
When you look at the polling data, I dont think theres an untapped demand for a tax code that would lower top tax rates for wealthy Americans to a level they havent been in a century, said Jim Pethokoukis of the conservative American Enterprise Institute, who believes Republicans need to do more than promote tax cuts for the rich.
Cruz has said that hes currently developing the particulars of his tax plan, which he expects to release in the coming months.
(Excerpt) Read more at thehill.com ...
Let me see, 50% or so pay no federal income tax now. I can just see them rallying around paying a flat tax rather than nothing. That does not even consider a good deal of them get a payment from the government over and above any withholding.
I have been in favor of a flat tax since the mid 70’s BUT even those who support a “flat” tax today generally have one with a few different brackets. I am only in favor of a flat tax as in sales tax (not a VAT).
I prefer the national sales tax. First of all, the amount of money the government takes in would always be based upon how successful the economy is — a report card on the government right there. Second, it’s the fairest tax of all. If I buy a ‘69 Chevy I’m going to be paying less tax than a guy who can manage to spring for a 2016 Ferrari. If I can afford to buy filet mignon, I’m going to be paying more tax than the guy buying bologna. Third, the infrastructure is already pretty much in place. Add another key to the cash register.
NRST, yessiree!
Tax CONSUMPTION, not PRODUCTION.
Sure is, but unless it's a Constitutional amendment it's got no staying power; here's my proposal:
Tax Reform Amendment |
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Section I No tax, fee, fine, or judgement federal, State, or subdivision of either shall ever be withheld from any wage. Section II No property shall be seized for failure to pay taxes until after conviction in a jury trial; the right of the jury to nullify (and thereby forgive) this debt shall never be questioned or denied. Section III The second amendment is hereby recognized as restricting the power of taxation, both federal and state, therefore no tax (or fee, or fine) shall be laid upon munitions or the sale thereof. Section IV The seventh amendment is also hereby recognized, and nothing in this amendment shall restrict the right of a citizen to seek civil redress. Section V No income tax levied by the federal government, the several States, or any subdivision of either shall ever exceed 10%. Section VI No income tax levied by the federal government, the several States, or any subdivision of either shall ever apply varying rates to those in its jurisdiction. Section VII No retrospective, retroactive, or ex post facto tax, fee, or fine shall ever be valid; nor shall the Congress delegate the creation of any tax, fee, or fine in any way; nor shall Congress give any credit, exemption, or deduction to any person, class of persons, or corporation whatsoever. Section VIII No federal employee, representative, senator, judge, justice or agent shall ever be exempt from any tax, fine, or fee by virtue of their position. Section IX Any federal employee, representative, senator, judge, justice or agent abridging, attempting to abridge, or otherwise circumventing this amendment shall, upon conviction, be evicted from office and all retirement benefits forfeit. |
Until they apply progressive thought to the sales-tax and make it graduated on whatever their whims are.
Plus it would cement the idea that the federal government can/ought be involved in intrastate commerce.
Between a flat or fair tax.
I’ve gone back and forth. The only way a “Fair tax” plan would work IMHO, is the complete elimination of Federal Income taxes, which is not likely to happen.
A National sales or consumption tax would be the best solution but the burdens and complexity of this plan will be a very difficult thing to sell.
A flat tax, on the other hand is more appealing in it’s simplicity alone.
IMHO, a Flat tax will be opposed by the Lobbyist’s and corporations they represent since it is the complexity that provides them their income.
Either way, Tax reform has huge appeal and is a winning position for Cruz.
I say raise the import tariffs and lower corporate and individual taxes. Fund the government off of imports, and put Americans back to work.
How is it any different if I send them my income tax payment from my home in Forbush, Montana, than if I send them my sales tax payment from the Starbucks down the street from my home in Forbush, Montana?
Don’t kid yourself. They will all trumpet the pet causes to ignie that part of their base. The need to get you excited. It’s just talking points.
A flat tax would be great, but some politicians will promise anything to get what they personally want.
Flat tax is not going to fix anything. Anything short of repealing the 16th amendment, eliminating the income tax and IRS is a failure.
It’s the most practical thing to de-fang the IRS at this point in time short of amending the constitution.
The difference is that a nationwide sales-tax invites the federal government into every transaction you make — now, while the current abuses of the interstate commerce clause essentially do just this, a national sales tax would cast it into essentially an unbreakable rule... at least one that will not be reformed without bloodshed.
correct ...
The problem I have with a flat tax is that it’s usually higher than the effective tax rate I end up paying on the federal side.
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