[x_plus_one]

Once the FairTax takes effect, you'll be receiving 100 percent of every paycheck, with no withholding of federal income taxes, Social Security taxes, or Medicare taxes.

That's like the argument made when the tax rates were lowered in 1986 and all the rental real estate loopholes were eliminated. Six years later - the Clinton administration racheted up rates again - and there were no loopholes to jump through.

A "Fair Tax" is a pipe dream. You can't pull the rug out from under the cash flow of the USgovt and expect a non-eventful transition.

At best a "fair" consumption tax like the horrible VAT tax would have to be phased in while other taxes were phased out. And if you think this will happen easily your're dreaming.

Instituting a "fair tax" is the easiest way to form a national GESTAPO who's purpose in life is to harrass, arrest and utterly destroy tax cheats and avoiders.

[Extremely Extreme Extremist]

Plus the IRS will still remain in some form. Somebody's gotta collect the money, and I don't believe for a second that 50 checks will be mailed to the government simultaneously by the states.

[wbill]

That's like the argument made when the tax rates were lowered in 1986 and all the rental real estate loopholes were eliminated. Six years later - the Clinton administration racheted up rates again - and there were no loopholes to jump through.

And that is exactly why I'm *not* 100% in favor of the "fair tax". Well spoken.

[Just another Joe]

Instituting a "fair tax" is the easiest way to form a national GESTAPO who's purpose in life is to harrass, arrest and utterly destroy tax cheats and avoiders.

And we don't have that today in the IRS?

[Texas_shutterbug]

I completely agree that the tax would have to be phased in, and one phased out.

But "will" it be phased out?

The people of Texas won't ever vote in a state income tax because we know it will just be a third tax on top of sales tax and property tax. NO WAY.

Why give the federal government one "more" way tax us?