[mike182d]

The only problem with the fair tax is that I don't see the federal government seriously considering this option. With federal income tax, the projected income of the federal government is fairly predictable and relatively fixed while an income based upon consumer spending may vary.

[kevkrom]

With federal income tax, the projected income of the federal government is fairly predictable and relatively fixed while an income based upon consumer spending may vary.

Actually, it's the opposite -- consumer spending is more predicatble than income.

[dread78645]

With federal income tax, the projected income of the federal government is fairly predictable and relatively fixed while an income based upon consumer spending may vary.

Incorrect. Two points:

A. The income tax invites constant tinkering by Congress for special interests or socially "desirable" outcomes.
Consider why terms like: capital gains, "inventory wash", ITC, accelerated depreciation, REIT, 401K, IRA, ATM, etc. entered the lexicon.

B. The gross level of personal consumption is a more stable base for taxation than income (as defined at any given moment).

[phil_will1]

"With federal income tax, the projected income of the federal government is fairly predictable and relatively fixed while an income based upon consumer spending may vary."

Actually, quite the opposite is true. Historically, consumption has been more stable than income.