[HassanBenSobar]

it's also the reason this will never happen. All those lawyers, accountants, govt wonks in treasury/irs; etc., etc., --it's a huge government employment program, and if the tax code is scrapped in favor of something so incredibly simple, all those people would need to find new work.

(I agree, though, wouldn't that be great?)

[drt1]

"It's also the reason this will never happen."

While I suspect you are right to some extent, I think the US is going through a 'Come to Jesus' moment re: Gov't spending and taxation.

The past 50 years of creeping insolvency are finally forcing a serious look at Gov't spending and taxation policy. The Social Security debate is one indication of this urgency as are some cuts in the atrocious Agriculture subsidies. The WOT is also forcing a reorientation in spending and will force serious looks at ways to meet these requirements in an era of fierce foreign competition, aging demographics and corresponding pressure on the tax base.

IMO The inefficiencies of the present system are luxuries that can no longer be indulged. These pressures FORCE the revamping since philosophy has not, as long as we had the surplus that could be wasted or stolen.

[Conservative Goddess]

I enrolled in law school so that I could do something else when the tax code is abolished. I look forward to the day when I can contribute something meaningful to the GDP. We (CPA's) were warned in 1995....the last time I recall a major push to sunset the code. There was an article, an opinion piece I think, in a professional journal, warning that it was only a matter of time before the electorate "wake's up" and repeals the tax code. Ten years later....and those prophetic words ring in my ears. This is the first time that I see a semi-perfect storm brewing such that we might actually free ourselves from this monstrosity. Don't cry for us....we'll be just fine helping people to manage and invest their money, build their businesses, etc.