A continuation of the former thread that shows the reaction being put into the Comments by individuals to the Tax Panel.
... and you can see that the more recent comments just continue the unrelenting complaints to the Panel as well as the grassreoots swelling voice for the FairTax. Once more these comments have been neither selected nor edited.
This is America speaking and it's going to continue ...
Comment: The past few years our news reports have been littered with articles about Americans not having health coverage and/or the high cost of coverage. Am I just to basic a person to understand how this will help? And so they remove a tax deduction for the employer... who on earth do they think is going to pick up the tab at the end of the day? I feel I will as the employee. I feel I will as the shopper. I feel I will as the tax payer. I slso feel more people won't be able to afford health care coverage ~ which means an increase in government subsidized coverage ~ which means someone is going to try to tax something else in order to cover the increase in healthcare programs... that lives in the house that Jack built. Can you say negative ramifications boys and girls?
My votes, and voice, are in favor of the Fair Tax.
Comment: Quit beating around the Bush. H.R. 25 is what is needed, not more manipulation of the current code.
Subject: Are you nuts
Comment: If the leaks to the press today are accurate, you have all lost your minds. You were told to 1. Simplify the tax code. Did you do that? NO! You added complications and calculations 2. Share the burden while encouraging charity and homeownership. Did you do that? NO! (My mortgage is small, by the way, and I'm not affected by your stupid restrictions on deducting home mortgage interest.) 3. Promote long term growth and job creation. Did you do that? NO AGAIN!
You are complete failures!
You need to check out the Fair Tax. Please call Congressman John Linder for further details.
Comment: The Commision appears to have failed in the 3 main demands placed on it by the President:
There suggestions would not not reduce the compliance/complexity and cost of the Tax System, they only add anotehr layer to the system.
They have not addressed any progreesiove change in the tax structiure. The completly ignore the Regressive SS and Medicare Taxes. They are increasing taxes related to Home ownership
Thier suggestions have done NOTHING to promote long-run economic growth and job creation, and better encourage work effort, saving, and investment, so as to strengthen the competitiveness of the United States in the global marketplace.
The FairTax HR25/S25 is the solution, do the right thing!
Comment: You guys aren't reforming sqwuat! A few adjustments to current tax breaks aren't a reform. What a waste of tax payers money and time. YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!
GUTTLESS POLITICIANS. ALL OF YOU.
Comment: Well, from what I am hearing, The Tax reform paneol is pretty much ignoring the ground swell of interest in the Fair Tax Plan. Why is this? Isn't it obvious to you people that the citizens of America want tax Overhaul, not just reform? Are you all caving in to the interests of the lobbyists for the accounting and legal industry? Why can't you see the economic benefit of the Fair Tax Plan (HR25) It may not be a perfect plan, it may well cause the Federal governement to tightens its belt, but that is as it should be. Please reconsider, we need change and we need it now..Thanks for listening
Comment: Please seriously consider the fair tax. Our current tax system is an embarassment.
You should all be ashamed of yourselves.
Comment: None of the tax reform proposals you have suggested have merit. How foolish of you people to think the American taxpayers are that stupid. Ronald Regan's 1986 tax reform was a two bracket flat tax,which has been bastasrdized 12,000 times for almost 20 years. HR25 is the only viable tax reform proposal with real
taxpayer benefits and positive economic consequeces. By the way, where are the business leaders and ordinary taxpayers that should be represented on this panel. All I see on this panel is the political and intellectual isolated segment of this country. Why should I expect fair representation on this panel, when The Fair Tax Proposal can't be fairly considered or represented.
Comment: This tax reform commission has totally failed to fulfill the request of the President and to make changes that represent the average person. They have no representation of the business community. What changes have they made that reduce the complexity of the code? This commission should be dismanteled and their report should be filed in the nearest trash can. The Fair Tax is the best system thus far presented and should be included in the over all picture of changes. Consider the middle income people FOR A CHANGE and make changes that help us survive.
Comment: C. Mack, I voted for you and I can't believe you don't care about me as an individual. Fair Tax is the only way to go. I will not be voting for you or anyone else on this commitee that I have the opporntunity to vote for. "K" street might have the money and the BS but I am a voter. It is obiviously to me you have not even read the book on fair tax because you don't understand...
By the way I am a democrat.
Subject: Panel Paid Off?
Comment: Just one question: Will you, the members of the tax reform panel, declare the income you received from the K-Street boys on your next tax return or is it all considered under-the-table? It must have been a large sum based upon your latest response. Shame on you!
Fair Tax is the solution!
Comment: The media reports coming from the tax panel on Tuesday, October 11 were very disheartening. If true, the tax panel has failed miserably to accomplish anything close to what the public is clamoring for.
I suggest the panel either be dissolved or start all over again and this time add a few independent business people.
We Americans are looking for something along the lines of a national retail sales tax or a simple flat tax. Nothing short of one of those will do.
Comment: I am deeply concerned that the Tax Reform panel is not going to present any type of true reform to the President. It is my understanding that the Fair Tax has been eliminated from the list of proposals that will be given to the President. The very name of your committee suggests scrapping the current way we collect revenue and creating a better system. I sure hope that you will do more than tweek the current jugernaught we call the income tax and propose real changes or else your panel was a waste of time, money and resources.
I sure would appreciate some type of response.
Comment: John Linder's FAIRTAX is the ONLY tax system America needs period.
Subject: Disappointed, and hope you worked pro bono
Comment: After all this time, the best you can do is tinker with the edges, and raise taxes in the process?
If you had read the FairTax Book and if you were being intellecectually honest, you would have recommended the FairTax idea. Maybe the fact your panel lacked business people or anyone else who could think outside the box made a non-solution inevitable.
Comment: Please read the Fair Tax book by Congressman John Linder.
Comment: You can get rid of the AMT, but you haven't done a thing to lighten the load on the american taxpayer.
Tax reform? The Fair Tax is the only real reform. This 'tax reform panel' which, incidentally, doesn't have a single business owner on it, is a joke.
Prepare for major tax reform marches on Washington DC next year. This country is on the brink of a serious taxpayer revolt. The taxpayers are SICK of being manipulated by our current tax system, and this panel will do NOTHING to change that. The Fair Tax WILL happen because, unlike this panel, most americans recognize it MUST happen.
Comment: The Fair Tax is the ONLY proposal that makes sense. Please adopt it as soon as possible.
Comment: The only tax reform the taxpayers want to see is the elimination of the IRS and passing H.R. 25. Do the President a favor and recomend something bold, not more complex tax laws!
Subject: Only a Fair Tax is "reform"
Comment: What you have proposed is not tax reform, but simple tinkering. Please consider the Fair Tax as a true reform.
Comment: The president gave you an executive order to fix three simple things.
simplify Federal tax laws to reduce the costs and administrative burdens of compliance with such laws;
share the burdens and benefits of the Federal tax structure in an appropriately progressive manner while recognizing the importance of homeownership and charity in American society; and
promote long-run economic growth and job creation, and better encourage work effort, saving, and investment, so as to strengthen the competitiveness of the United States in the global marketplace.
What you are proposing will make it harder for people to obtain the dream of owning a home, and raise the price of health insurance for the working class. What is wrong with you? Get out of K streets pocket, and back to the reality that the people are your constituants and not the lobbyists. We want the FairTax! If the FairTax were implimented it WOULD,
simplify Federal tax laws to reduce the costs and administrative burdens of compliance with such laws;
share the burdens and benefits of the Federal tax structure in an appropriately progressive manner while recognizing the importance of homeownership and charity in American society; and
promote long-run economic growth and job creation, and better encourage work effort, saving, and investment, so as to strengthen the competitiveness of the United States in the global marketplace.
If you people don't realize that you work for us, you won't have to worry about K street's campaign contributions, when you are unemployed!
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Comment: I believe the best way to simply the tax system and reduce the highly ridiculous compliance cost for individuals and business is the fair tax (aka national retail sales tax). We need to reduce the tax burden on everybody and this plan is the best way to do it. To get more information about the fair tax you should read the FairTax book by Neal Boortz and Congressman John Linder. This will give you all the information you need about this plan.
Thank you for you time
Comment: I don't want the government to have the responsibility of filing my taxes, especially if I am responsible for their mistakes. I want the FairTax, and unless there is a good economical reason against it (one that is not already many more times as grievous under the current tax code) it would be a great disservice to your country and me to ignore it.
Comment: I support the Fair Tax Plan.Something needs to be done on the hurry up.Reform is long overdue.Everyone on this panel needs to read "The Fairtax Book" by congressman John Linder and Neal Boortz.Its a no brainer!!
Comment: Pass the Fair Tax Bill - Anything else is unacceptable!
Comment: In my opinion, the report this panel has developed in response to the President's executive order is completely inadequate. Why reasonable men and women cannot understand the socialistic origins of a "progressive" income tax is a mystery to me as it was first proposed as doctrine by Karl Marx! Secondly, why this panel has not considered the very sound idea of the "Flat Tax" as proposed by Congressman Linder, I believe is irresponsible! Tax egalitarianism should be the objective. The billions of dollars required to administer our current out-dated and punitive tax code could be used for many other important purposes by our govenment. I am disappointed and frustrated by our "business as usual" approach to one of the most unfair and oppressive policies of our government that is, I strongly believe, unjustifiable!
Comment: I would just like to voice my opinion and hope that you would consider the Fair Tax Plan which is outlined in a recent book and seems to be a viable option to reform the tax code to make it simpler, fairer, and more pro-growth to benefit all Americans.
Comment:
Instead of trying to reform the tax system of the U. S. just get ride of it. Replace it with the FAIR TAX. Nothing could be more simple.
From what I have heard thus far, the only recommendations that are being made is to impose a deduction limit of home mortgages. WOW. Don't you think you could come up with something better than that. My wife and I are both RNs. We do not make that much money -- but yet we are in the higher income tax bracket. I make $2500.00 twice a month. I see $1700 of that. Therefore I have $1600 per month taken from gross income. Therefore $19,200 is taken from my paycheck every year to pay taxes. That is 32% of my income.
Let me pay a direct 26% federal sales tax, and eliminate the rest of this garbage.
Comment: Dear Panel,
I'm writing you in regards to HR-25 the Fair Tax Resolution. I urge you to support this legislation. I have been struggling for over 25 years trying to create a wealth plan for my family, as the current tax system limits the new creation of wealth by punishing people who seek to achieve in business and life success. Currently I feel the only way that wealth is truly attainable in the current system is to have a great initial financial windfall. I'm an inventor and currently disabled from seeking employment in a regular employment environment due to my health condition.
I have had trouble building my financial future before my accident, I had previusly been in sales. Being considered self employed, I was penalized and found it very difficult to make any improvement financially by the current tax environment. I know one of the great fears of politians is the loss of power they feel that they will have with a change in the tax code. The thing that our leaders need to remember is that the politians are there for the people of the US and not for themselves. If you are truly interesrted in helping America, please read the information containe in the fair tax book. We will see our country reach prosperity beyond anything we have currently enjoyed as Americans.
Comment: My wife and I are in favor of Congressman John Linder's Fair Tax proposal.
Changing the current code to eliminate any interest deductions on home mortgages is a tax increase and is unacceptable.
Comment: the goals stated on your website validate the option of the "fair tax" - this method of taxation would revolutionize the American economy - show the courage to seriously consider it -
Comment: Please vote on the fairtax bill submitted by congressman JOHN LINDER.
People want this reform and the numbers grow everyday, pay attention to the requests of the people you serve. THANK YOU
Comment: Please do not ignore the Fair Tax, currently known as HR25 in the House of Representatives!
Comment: I am extremely dissapointed that you will not even consider the Fair Tax plan. It shows that you are controlled by the Washington politicians and not the American taxpayers
Comment: There don't appear to be many Representatives or Congresspersns who have read and fully understand HR-25. Maybe they should read it before the tax commity convens again. I know that I am totally in favor and if when I rereview the voting results and se a "NO" by their name it will surely influence my vote at the next elections. Nuf Said.
Comment: I heard yesterday that you are leaning towards recommending in increase in taxes to "reform" the income tax.
By raising taxes on rich people, you drive them away from this company, which means that it will be harder for the average working person (like me) to make a living.
If most of the wealthy people in the United States of America move to another country to avoid our tax structure, then taxes on the rest of us will have to be raised.
I am much more in favor of the Fair Tax (as proposed by Congressman Linder, and written about in The FairTax book (a recent # 1 on the New York Times list.)
If the Fair Tax is passed into law, and replaces the income tax, the business climate in this country will be enhanced, which means my choice of employers will be better, and my wages will increase. This will cause me to spend more money, which will cause additional money to flow into the coffers of the government to use.
Sounds like a win-win situation to me.
Not to mention that companies will be coming to the USA instead of running away from us.
If you haven't yet read the book, I'm sure the publisher could get you a copy. (Or check with the White House, I think that President Bush is finished with his copy and could loan you his.)
Thank you for your consideration.
Comment: Would you please consider the Fair Tax Plan that is being pushed by Neal Boortz and Rep. John Linder of Ga. The current tax plan is not working and the Fair Tax Plan makes a lot of sense, according to everything I have read and heard about it. There are many, many people who feel the same way and I think the govt give this idea some very thorough consideration. Please do what is good for the American people and not what is good for the special interest groups who will benefit from the status quo. Thank you.
Comment: I'm EXTREMELY disappointed in he President's Tax Reform Panel, the President, and the Republican party! The panel's incompetent, shabby, work etrays the conservative cause. I am so angry, that if they are not disbanded and their one side political hack not rebuked, I will probably change my party affiliation to Libertarian, even if it means that Democrats win.
The Fair Tax was not even looked at. The effects on the Economy, trade, growth,
compliance cost were not even looked at. NONE of the tax reform experts, such as
Jorgenson at Harvard, and Kotikoff at Boston U. testified.
Again if this is not immediately turned around, IT WILL BE THE END OF THE
REPUBLICAN PARTY PERIOD!!!!!!
Comment: Initial reports have it that your recommendations to The President for tax reform are going to boil down simply to modifying the existing tax code.
PLEASE RE-CONSIDER!!!!
The existing system is hemorraging on many levels and another bandaid will not stop that. Please consider reading The Fair Tax Book by John Linder and Neal Boortz.
The Fair Tax Plan may not be perfect (nothing will be) but it sure beats what we have now hands down.
I will be watching closely.
I am curious about one thing. Since none of you are running for an elected office why are you so afraid to step out of the box and really think about something new?
I do have a vote for my Congressman and my Senators. If the Fair Tax comes up for a vote and they vote "no", I will exercise my option to do the same when they come up for re-election.
Thank you for your consideration.
Comment: Thus far, the news coming from this tax panel grieves me. Is there no one in the Congress/Senate that can think "outside of the box"?
Jone Linder and Neal Boortz have outlined in their "Fair Tax Book" the most simple, fair, and economically positive tax plan that has NO downside other than removing power from those in Washington DC that live for the power.
For those who spout arguments in favor of poor (as most of us have concerns for those in need) - this plan would certainly benefit that particular segment of our society most of all. This fair tax would encourage businesses and individuals with money holdings outside of the US to bring it home. The list goes on and on.....
If any of you have not yet put your hands on this book, please let me know and I'll purchase a copy for each of you in need. For those of you who have read the book but don't understand it, again, please let me know and I will personally see to it that it is all made clear.
I sincerely beseech each of you to rethink your old and trite solution to tax reform as just more of the same.
Comment: I, and many of my friends and family, believe the FairTax plan as proposed by Congressman Linder deserves consideration. It seems to address all requirements given your group by President Bush, and certainly simplifies compliance and is appropriately progressive.
It may not be the answer, but it should be considered and measured against other recommendations.
Comment: I watched and listened in absolute amazement last night as CSPAN aired Edward Lezear's testimony before the Commission concerning HR 25 otherwise known as the Fair Tax Plan.
Not only did he completely re-write the proposal in a way that complicates taxation, he grossly misrepresented the effects of the National Retail Sales Tax proposal.
Point #1 HR 25 does not disproportionately benefit the rich and the poor while burdening the middle class. The basic necessities of life are universal to all classes and should not be taxed on principle. It is immoral to attempt social engineering with the tax code.
Point #2 His dismissive treatment of the prebate is factually incorrect and replacing it with a rebate based on Income is unnecessary, costly, wasteful, and not at all part of the Fair Tax Plan as written. The administrative costs involved in such a ridiculous proposal would be completely done away with if the plan were implemented as originally proposed.
Point #3 Government expenditures absolutely would NOT increase as a result of the Fair Tax Plan and to inflate Government budget requirements on that basis is dishonest and disingenuous. Current Government expenditures are exempted from State and Local Sales taxes as it stands, but the embedded tax costs currently built into the cost of every item purchased (Income Taxes, SS Taxes, Medicare/Medicaid Taxes) are absolutely already being paid in every Government purchase. Substituting the Fair Tax for the embedded tax would not increase Government budgets 1 penny.
Point #4 It was painfully obvious to me as an informed citizen that NONE of the Commission members have read either the HR 25 Bill or the Fair Tax book, which thoroughly and factually debunks every last myth the Commissioners relied upon in making their assessment.
It has been a long time since I have been so disgusted and disappointed as I am with this Commission. They are deserving of nothing but contempt for their gross incompetence and cowardice.
Comment: Please disregard your politics and do something great for our Country. The "Fair Tax" is the best idea and the fairest way to tax the public. Owning our own business and not haveing to do payroll taxes every two weeks would be a blessing. Also the rich, who buy the most expensive products, would end up still paying the most, which is what everybody seems to think is fair. It doesn't matter that you have worked hard all your life you never getr any of the tax breaks. This is the fairest tax program to ever be presented. The majority of the publicv are behind this. PLEASE DO DNOT IGNORE IT IN FAVOR OF POLITICS!!!
Comment: Please give full consideration to the Fair Tax Plan.
I understand that my one vote as an individual doesn't count as much as the influence of the lobbyists and special interest groups.
But, the Fair Tax Plan makes more sense than the enormous Federal Tax Code that we have to endure today and I would like your efforts to propose revolutionary ideas that would benefit, not penalize, all Americans rich, middle, and poor!
Comment: Sirs:
Dump the IRS and get onboard with the FAIR TAX plan before there's a taxpayer revolt.
The little leaks coming out in the last day or so show a panel of unimaginative do-nothings time-wasters who should be fired for malfeasance.
Comment: I support the fairtax. In its original form, not a bastardized version of it. Nothing more and nothing less will do.
Comment: On October 18th a public meeting is scheduled. That gives all on the panel PLENTY of time to read the FAIR TAX book and realize that H.R. 25 is the answers that the President was looking for. This really isn't a tough test there folks. It won't be considered cheating on the exam if you read the proper book, "The Fair Tax Book", and then answer the three questions the "teacher" asked you. I only wish every one of my exams were this easy!
Comment: I believe the panel would be wrong not to investigate the ideas of a flat tax and/or a fair tax (a.k.a. consumption tax). The current code is too long and complex for anyone to understand and work with. Putting another band-aid over something that is already patched together does not make sense.
Secondly, removing the mortgage tax exclusion is a terrible idea.
Comment: Take another look at the fair tax plan -
H.R. 25 - Do not change the perameters of
the bill to determine it will not work.
It is the best plan put forth yet. If you
need explanation read the Fair Tax book, from Neal Boortz and John Linder
Comment: I find it ridiculous that the panel is suggesting simply eliminating deductions as a solution. We need the FAIR TAX! The old rattle trap system is wobbling and belching smoke. Time to trade to a new, more efficient and friendlier car. If the IRS doesn't go, you haven't accomplished true tax reform.
Comment: The Panel needs to look seriously look at this bill before Congress.This meets the requirements of what the President wants done with the overly complicated and unfair income tax and other associated tax(social security and medicare)Its also revenue neutral
Comment: The fair tax should immediately be endorsed by this committee. Stop the lies and tell the truth for once.
The lobbysist on K Street should not be running the show.
Comment: Have you spent anytime reviewing the FairTax option? To me and a great many people in America - this is the only good option on the table. I look forward to your response. Thank you.
Comment: Perhaps you geniuses should actually read the Fair tax rather wasting MY money with this ridiculous shake down. You people are pathetic.
Comment: The only tax reform that will work is the National Sales tax as proposed in the book called "FAIR TAX"..You are just nibbling around the edges of an alreday broken system..
Comment: The tax reform panel has stated that the {Fair Tax}plan is not beeing considered because it is too complicated.Compare 90'000 pages under the current tax code to 130 pages under the {Fair Tax}plan.Do the math.
Comment: I cannot believe that you ignored the FairTax. I am certain that the FairTax would be a greater occurance for freedom than was the Revolutionary War.
Comment: The current federal income tax system is a burden on businesses, the citizens and the economy of this nation. Too many resources are spent in trying to interpret and trying to comply with the current system.
The Tax reform committee needs to look no further than HR 25 for a tax system that is fair to every business, every citizen, and to the prosperity of this nation.
The Fair Tax Act needs to be passed now.
Comment: Come on guys, grow some balls. You know the existing system sucks, it encourages people to be non-compliant. The news reports out today state that your preliminary ideas for tax reform are to raise tax rates on the rich and narrow the home mortgage interest deduction. Great, some more pages in the already overweight tax code. I understand why the FairTax would not be popular with lobbyists as it is so simple, their services would probably no longer be needed.
Come on, take a chance, be bold. Simplify the system, and make it easier, not more complex. Why are so many people ducking the existing system now? How can one possibly defend the existing system?
You have an opportunity. Don't screw it up.
Comment: Do some real reform, recomment the Fair Tax HR25.
Comment: Without a doubt, the fair tax proposal as espoused by Congressman John Linder, is the best solution to the complicated tax problem. It is time to eliminate the income tax altogether, and institute a consumption tax that is fair to everyone. The Fair Tax is especially beneficial to the poor, although this fact has been denied by those who represent special interests and by those ignorant of what the fair tax really consists of. The fair tax is likewise beneficial to the middle class, and does away with the one-sided benefits accorded the rich under the current system. Those who are objecting to the consumption tax on the grounds that it is too complicated and that administrative costs are too high are totally uninformed regarding the true nature of the tax. Most of these objections are a thinly disguised preference for the current system and the power it gives certain people, e.g., politicians who are able to grant tax immunity to certain classes of citizens. These politicians are more interested in lining their own pockets than in pursuing the best interests of the nation. The many individuals who support the fair tax are not likely to forget the names of these hack politicians if the fair tax proposal fails. They will be remembered at election time, and many of them will go home to stay. I am hopeful that in the end, the political foes of the fair tax will consider the best interests of the country and put aside their concocted objections. It is time to rise above selfish interests and look to the best possible system to advance the economic values of the nation. The Fair Tax Proposal will accomplish this. Please research the fair tax honestly, and make a decision based on the truth rather than giving in to special interests and self aggrandizement.
Comment: YOUR COMMENTS ABOUT THE FAIR TAX WAS FROM A PERSON UNINFORM AND THE UNSPOKEN AMERICAN PEOPLE AREN'T STANDING SILENT. ITS TIME THE USA TAX SYSTEM ADOPT THE FAIR TAX AND TREAT ALL INCOME THE SAME. THERE WILL BE A SECOND AMERICAN REVOLUTION.
Comment: Your efforts to effect real tax reform in this country are weak at best. My family all support the FAIR TAX INITIATIVE, and think you should revisit this subject. WE NEED REAL REFORM...NOT MORE POLITICS OR TAX INCREASES.
Comment: As taxpayers, we deserve a lot better than an insult on our intelligence by the panel posing as tax reform experts. Its obvious that there was no sincere effort to explore and honestly consider the merits of the Fair Tax plan. The last presentation presented an obvious bias and gross manipulation of misinformation to discredit the Fair Tax Plan. WE DESERVE A LOT BETTER FOR OUR HARD EARNED MONEY. At the very least, we deserve a fair discussion of the facts. Congressman Linder must be invited to speak to the panel and clear up the mess of information presented by the biased panel member!
Comment: By the comments form the Panel over th last few days on C-SPAN, it was becoming painstakingly obvious that one of two things has happened. Either you have not read H.R 25 or The Fair Tax Book by Congressman John Linder and Neal Boortz and do not undertand the bill, or you do understand it, know it's implications, especially to your friend on K Street, and have chosen to mischaracterize it.
So, which it is, are you ignorant or dishonest?
Comment: It is obvious from the news reports that you guys have not read this bill or understand the bill. I would request you do your job and get educated. Be a hero to the American people -poor, middle class and the rich. Basic economics and logic seem to be missing from your group!
Comment: Let's quit the complicated tax burden on society and go to a fair tax!
Comment: Fair Tax Now
Comment: From what I am hearing and reading the President's Tax Commission will not review the proposed tax plan named The Fair Tax Plan.
Why is this possible? Please tell me that this plan will have a full and comprehensive review to dertermine the merits.
A fair commission must review all seriously thought out plans to alieve the confusion of us taxpayers!
I want to read that this plan is on the table along with the other considerations.
Please do not miss this opportunity.
Comment: To the Tax Panel: 10/13/05
Please enact the Fair Tax, plain and simple. Speak to Conrgessman Linder from GA, he will tell you all you need to know.
You suggestion to reduce deductible mortgage interest will destroy a healthy housing market…one of the few currently healthy markets left.
STOP trying to redistribute wealth in this country…WE are not a socialist country…WE do not want to be punished for success.
I am far from wealthy however I don’t work my ass off in order to support often drug addled professional victims on the government tit. Please stop pandering to people who are literally getting paid to spawn generation after generation of ignorant, socially handicapped, government dependant morons. Worst of all stop feeding them the crap how they are deserving of such.
Once again: PASS THE FAIR TAX BILL !
Comment: As an individual and a small business owner, I belive that the Fair Tax proposal is the only viable option on the radar that can effectively reform the current tax system. PLEASE CONSIDER THE FAIR TAX FAVORABLY!
Comment: OUTRAGEOUS!!! ALOT of us are FED UP withthe LACK of leadership in the panel. Not to mention the complete DISTORTION of THE FAIR TAX LAW - misrepresented to meet someone's OWN ends. Our collective heads are OUT of the sand - WE VOTE - WE WANT THE FAIR TAX LAW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Apparently, some of you are NOT familiar
with The Fair Tax Law (H.R. 25) and I might highly recommend that you do so.
Comment: Dear Commission Members,
President Bush has asked you all to find a better way to fairly administer our tax system that is simple, fair, less expensive and provides an easier way for taxpayers to pay their taxes as well as the government to collect those taxes. He also asked you all to lessen the financial burden on businesses and individuals when it comes to preparations to pay those taxes. As a taxpayer and citizen in good standing in this country, I would like you all to examine the FAIR TAX Plan that is out in print and has been put out there for consideration. Myself, my friends and my family all urge you to adopt this plan and recommend it to your fellow politicians and the President. I can assure you that there are two things us voters are going to look at come the next election cycle: FAIR TAX approval, and closing down our borders. We are prepared now more than ever - (Democrats and Republicans alike), to vote you out and vote someone in that is looking after these two items in their primary agendas. Please enter my e-mail to be read in front of the commission.
Thank You for your consideration.
Comment: I ask that you consider the extensive academic and market research done by
FairTax.org on replacing the costly, complex, and economically inefficient federal income and payroll tax systems with a progressive national retail sales tax, such as the tax plan offered in
H.R. 25 and S. 25 – which are also known as the FairTax. The bills have been introduced in the 109th Congress and are now co-sponsored by more than 38 members of Congress.
This tax system is strongly supported by me and the other 3 voting adults in my family --- as long as it is adopted without exclusions and amendments, it will CERTAINLY be an improvement over the current system, which needs a radical fix, not another "tax the rich" band-aid.
Comment: I watched your last meeting and understand that you will be meeting again next Tuesday.
Your comments about H.R.25 indicates to this citizen that you DO NOT understand the proposed legislation. In addition, if your idea about tax reform is to simply raise taxes on the upper income class - YOU ARE WRONG - AGAIN.
I am now one of the "silent majority" that DEMANDS a fair review of H.R.25 and a VOTE from the "Ruling Class" or should I say Congress. My silence has stopped and I will work very hard to make sure that those that we trust by sending them to Washington are there not to perpetuate their power but are there to do the business of the people.
Your comments and disregard for the Fair Tax Act continues to show this simple tax payer that you have NO real interest in LEADING this country back to a solid economic world power.
Get off you dead behinds! Stop making untrue statements! Debate the pros and cons about H.R.25 in the light of day and not by making and speaking prepared statements from those that would continue to benefit by keeping our 60,000 plus page of totally unreadable tax laws in place. Make the IRS go far away - get the government OUT of our personal business activites.
The greatest legacy we can leave our children and grandchildren is to inact H.R.25 - NOW.
Comment: I strongly suggest you read up on the Fair Tax.
Comment: We hope you have read the FairTax Book by Mr. Linder and Neal Boortz. We are a retired couple and hope H.R. 25 will be approved to get this country out of the confusion of the I.R.S. rules. Keep the taxes FAIR to all. Thank you.
Comment: I feel that the panel did not do what was requested by the president in executive order #13369. It did not accomplish item Section a) simplify tax laws b)share the burdens and benefits and c)promote long-run economic growth and job creation.As usual the only suggestion that the panel could come up with is cut deductions for the RICH!!! and tax them more while not accomplishing any one of the afore mentioned purposes of the panel. The president requested that at least one of the panels options should use the Federal income tax as its base for recommended reforms. This implies to me that the president wanted several suggestions from the panel not just one. It appears to me that the panel did not give serious thought to the FAIR TAX H.R./S 25. It is clear to me and a whole lot of americans that this is the only tax reform that would accomplish what the president wanted to accomplish. It would be beneficial to all including the rich, middle class and the poor. By the way the poor would avoid paying taxes all together. But instead this panel just wanted to punish the rich. This panel needs to take a hard look at its self and ask if you really think you did this president and this country justice. I think you failed totally and if you had any backbone you would propose something bold like the FAIR TAX.
Comment: Let's stop playing games. H.R. 25 is the only viable plan to solve the IRS tax fiasco. No-one understands the rules but our Congress and lobbyists sure know how to use it against us. Let me PAY my taxes and stop TAKING it from me.
Comment: To whom it may concern,I hear from the news you are not considering the fair tax plan. BUT are only going to end up increasing taxes on health care for business,& interest on mortgages. this will fall on the tax payers again.
Please excuse my blunt subject, but don't excuse the Fair Tax Plan.
http://www.fairtax.org/ I believe this plan would alleviate the current complicated tax compliance and bring more tax revenue to the government. As you hopefully, already know, this would perpetuate our thriving economy into the future; the future of your children. Thank you for you time.
When I became aware that the President had appointed a panel to recommend tax reform ideas, I thought that maybe there was going to be some relief to our current income tax. Our current tax structure is becoming more cumbersome each year. It does not encourage economic growth. It provides too many opportunities for people to avoid paying taxes and tempts people to cheat.
I was very disappointed when I read your preliminary recommendations contained no tax reform suggestions but just more addition ways to increase taxes.
That was not what the President charged you to do. You have failed and wasted more of the taxpayers' money.
I support the Fair Tax as it was written in the bills submitted to both Houses of Congress, not the alterations you proposed then said would not work.
I will never vote for another candidate that does not support the Fair Tax.
Comment: I believe that the Fair Tax intitiave is the way to go with the Federal tax reform. Not only do we eliminate a large part of the federal beuaracy, but we start collecting taxes from previously un-tapped areas. Such as taxes from people who make money from illegal activities and visitors to this country who utilize our public services.
Comment: I am aghast that this committee would ignore 10 years and millions of dollars of private funds in the study and proposal of the FairTax legislation. To further embarrass themsleves, they have proposed their own version, which is nothing more than a ruse. I feel that it is imperative that the members of this committee obtain a copy of H.R 25 and READ IT! Once that is done, then they can do what is best for the citizens of the United States, and take the loaded gun away from our collective heads.
Comment: I SEE NO REFORM BEING SUGGESTED--WHY NOT TAKE A SERIOUS LOOK AT THE FAIR TAX? WE NEED A TAX STRUCTURE THAT WILL HELP THE ECONOMY--NOT CONTINUE TO BE A DRAG ON IT
Comment: After hearing preliminary reports of the possible/probable reform recommendations that this panel was going to submit to President Bush, I was absolutely dumb-founded.
Where's the reform!?!?! This is the "TAXREFORMPANEL" website, not the "TAXTINKERINGPANEL" website....is it not?!?! The comments/facts/figures offered by the panel dismissing the FairTax came from what source? What study? Americans For Fair Taxation commissioned numerous economic studies with various private and educational institutions, conducted extensive focus group studies, taking 10 years and millions of dollars, in culminating the FairTax. I would love to see the research studies this panel is quoting from and see how they compare to the FairTax research!
People of the panel, you still have until November 1, 2005 to deliver your final report. I urge the panel to reconsider this preliminary FAILURE of reform, and do what the panel was supposed to do....true REFORM.
Don't fail your president!
Don't fail your country!
Don't fail the American people!
Don't fail future generations!
Support the FairTax!
Comment: I expect your panel to examine the Fair Tax Bill, which I support, and include it in your report to President Bush.
Comment: The ideas of taxation on the web site are interesting. I think everyone should take a good look at HR 25, The Fair Tax Plan. I like the idea of everyone paying taxes on consumption, that way every person spending money (even money earned illegally)in this great nation gets to help fund our programs, military, government employees and anyone else who benefits from tax dollars. With a consumption tax it does not matter what size mortgage you have because there will be no interest deduction and a person will not have to be worried about being penalized for owning a house with a mortgage over $350,000. Besides just think of all the companies that will come home and all the investments that will be made in the U.S. with not having to worry about paying a tax on making money with out spending it. I sure would like to keep more of my paycheck and then I would be able to buy new stuff instead of buying at a thrift store. HR 25 is a good thing for America. Make April 15th agreat spring day the way it was before withholding started. Get rid of this Marxist tax system and bring back the way Americans paid taxes two centuries ago. Through purchases. Thanks in advance.
Comment: I have read The Fairtax Plan and will be voting for any representative that votes for it, and will not vote for, and will encourage others not to vote for any representative that votes against it.
Comment: Please pass H.R. 25, this will do more for the USA economy and tax reform then anything else!
Comment: You have failed us. I understand that 90% of the comments you have received were in support of the FairTax to replace the current horrible, repressive, inefficient tax code. It supresses our economy, drives corporations (and, therefore, jobs) out of the country. It punishes the very things we need in our economy, which is productivity and business development. Your suggestions will cause people to loose jobs. We can no longer afford "business as usual" in Washington. Instead of submitting the suggestions which your preliminary report covers, do us a favor and just disband. It can't get much worse. WE NEED THE FAIRTAX!
I watched in amusement the C-SPAN coverage of the Tax reform panel discussing the retail sales tax (Fair Tax plan, HR25) last week, October 11, 2005. The panel’s conclusions were that the Fair Tax plan was “too complex” and vulnerable to fraud. I have reviewed the Fair Tax plan and any faults are few and not irreparable. There is one major problem with it; it will keep politicians from manipulating it for their own selfish endeavors. This is something that this panel cannot afford to have happen. There are many forces against the Fair Tax (lobbyists, many politician, etc.) and they are all against allowing the people to take more control of how their hard earned money is collected and used.
The complexity of a national retail sales tax pales in comparison to our current, massive tax code. So, to conclude that the Fair Tax is too complex is laughable. I fully endorse the Fair Tax plan and will lend my support and vote to those politicians who are willing to work for its implementation.
Subject: The Fairtax
Comment: I am autraged at the panels conclusions and comments of Oct. 11, 2005. To exclude the Fairtax and suggest that there is no need to replace the IRS and it's current tax system is extremely disappointing to me. I strongly request that the panel give the "Fairtax" every consideration as it is by far the best system for the American people.
Comment: Earlier this year, this panel was given the opportunity to provide American taxpayers with meaningful relief. If what I have been reading the past couple days is true, the recommendations you are going to offer up to the President would be a joke were they not so tragic. It's unfathomable that you never gave the Fair Tax serious consideration. It's the only proposal on the table that would give American taxpayers true relief and you failed us. This panel has become just another waste of taxpayer money. Thanks for nothing.
Comment: I am very disheartened by the Panels complete misrepresentation, misinformation, and out right lies about the Fair Tax initiative. It appears that it is business as usual in Washington. There is no attempt by this panel to make real tax reform. AMERICANS WANT THE FAIR TAX!!! The support for THE FAIR TAX is growing and everywhere people are organizing to ensure that their representatives in Washington support THE FAIR TAX. This panel has an opportunity to make REAL tax reform possible. Listen to America and study the FAIR TAX. It is the best solution to the UNAMERICAN tax system we submit to today.
Comment: I would like for the consideration and eventual decision of the Fair Tax to be the only viable option.
I watched in amusement the C-SPAN coverage of the Tax reform panel discussing the retail sales tax (Fair Tax plan, HR25) last week, October 11, 2005. The panel’s conclusions were that the Fair Tax plan was “too complex” and vulnerable to fraud. I have reviewed the Fair Tax plan and any faults are few and not irreparable. There is one major problem with it; it will keep politicians from manipulating it for their own selfish endeavors. This is something that this panel cannot afford to have happen. There are many forces against the Fair Tax (lobbyists, many politician, etc.) and they are all against allowing the people to take more control of how their hard earned money is collected and used.
The complexity of a national retail sales tax pales in comparison to our current, massive tax code. So, to conclude that the Fair Tax is too complex is laughable. I fully endorse the Fair Tax plan and will lend my support and vote to those politicians who are willing to work for its implementation.
Comment: I am writing to ask the panel to re-examine its decision not to endorse a national sales tax. The FairTax is fair to both the wealthy and the poor. It would promote American business and boost our economy. It would eliminate the need for our current complicated tax system.
I encourage the committee to read the FairTax book by Neal Boortz & John Linder.
Thank you,
Comment: Individuals on the panel.
After hearing your preliminary decisions, I can foresee you have grand careers as lobbyists ahead of you.
Politicians have to know what the American people desire and desperately need. Lobbyists need to know how to further twist the tax code so a group gets preferential treatment from the government outside of the free market. This is a skill you have shown your mastery in.
The American people are now more educated than ever about the SHAM of corporate taxes and the damage they cause this nation thanks to “The FairTax Book.” They know the current system is falling apart at the seams and the only people it benefits are those OUTSIDE the US and those involved in the interpretation of the convoluted mess we call the federal tax code.
The FairTax is the very best thing you could do for this nation. But by taking the federal government and the complexity of the tax code out of American’s life decisions, politicians lose valued power. Something I fear you have already discovered.
Comment: I want to see the fairtax proposal enacted. Sales tax = not income tax. Those who buy more - pay more. What could be more fair?
Comment: Please pass the Fair Tax HR25.
Your idea of tax reform is just to raise our taxes with an IRS system that is totally out of control. Any reasonable person knows this. This just shows me and all hard working Americans that you only care about government and yourselves instead of us. Please for once think of the good of the Country and our people and not the lobbists and the IRS.
Comment: I am in strong support of the Fair Tax/H.R. 25. I as an individual and many of the people I know are sorely dissapointed in your ill-informed (?) and arbitrary rejection of the Fair Tax plan. To so easily push aside the most economically stimulating and revenue-neutral tax plan on the table shows that many in Washington are more interested in saving their own power to aid special interests through tax laws than actually aiding the economy of this country. I urge you to RECONSIDER the Fair Tax/H.R. 25 for the good of this nation.
Comment: I believe that the Tax Reform Commission panel actually intended to "stir up the pudding" by completely missing the mark on the REFORM part of their title. The comments were intended to enrage the public so much, that they will actually cause some sort of upheaval and demand on the Congress that it has no choice but to succomb to the wishes of their constituent base. So, I do believe the commission missed the mark on purpose. The panel could not be that stupid to actually think a bandage will heal the wound, when an amputation is in order!
Comment: The fair tax is the best idea on the table but you no nothings are so out of touch with the people you represent it isn't funny. I've heard how you gave the people support a the fair tax a screw job by misrepresenting it in discussion. Read this loud and clear you people better clean up your act. Raise taxes on the rich...been there, done that, and it doesn't work. TRY SOMETHING NEW! If you don't try something new I have feeling the people that you are representing will throw you out the office you hold faster than say tax reform. WE THE PEOPLE not we the government. You fix the crappy system we have now or face the wrath of voters come election time. Also, those people on K street that have multi-million dollar jobs lobbing you people, are just leeches sucking the life out of you. If you want to doing something right for this country choose the Fair Tax. Thanks for all the hard work you are doing because if you don't come up with something I think I'll have to come to DC to do these so called jobs
myself. Yeah that is a challenge...I'll think outside the box unlinke you all that have your butt plastered to some of those seats there. Have a nice day.
Comment: Dear Panel Memebers
An overhaul of our tax code is absolutely overdue. I want to stress fair and simple. Keep the deductions to a minimum, but do encourage investment and growth. Please focus on Retirement, 401K, Mortgage and Charitable deductions. What I'm hearing is that the panel wants to limit the mortgage interest deductions to $350,000 (in principal). With the recent increases in housing costs, especially in the coastal states, I think that not only is this wrong and counterproductive, it also adds another level of complexity to our system. With a median price of $580,000 for a home here in Orange County, it is not unusual for a working class family to carry a mortgage of $400+. They need every dollar of mortgage interest paid as a tax deduction in order to make ends meet. Please reconsider this option.
Comment: Dear Sirs:
The only change to the tax code that will satisfy me is the FairTax proposal (
http://www.fairtax.org/). It is the only idea which will eliminate the complexity of the tax code, encourage sound economic habits, close special interest loopholes, tax the underground cash economy, and more.
A flat tax is not acceptable but it would be an improvement over what we have.
A VAT is absolutely the worst idea that could be considered.
Comment: You people must be joking - a cap on mortgage deductions and employer-provided health care? These are tax hikes for those of us who pay taxes! Have any of you actually read the "FairTax" book? If not, read it. If you already have, re-read it. And I think I speak for many besides myself -I AM SICK OF HEARING HOW EVERY NEW IDEA IS GOING TO IMPACT THE POOR. Let's get real, here. The FairTax is not about the poor - it's about those in power losing their power.
Comment: Thank you for serving on a very critical issue that is volatile for politians who seek reelection but more important for our country's and my financial well being. HR25 is a simple way of totally replacing the current Federal tax system with one that will work if given a chance. The time is now for a total overhaul of the system. I'm in engineering, many of the companies including my own employer are taking work away from US to Chile, Canada, India and now talking about China and any other "offshore" office. This is due to the increasing cost of business taxes in USA. Stop the bleeding. Let our economy grow and we will support our government in a healthy way --- consumption tax.
Comment: It appears as if this panel is set to recommend escalating taxes on the "rich". While much of America has come to expect the class warfare argument to emerge in an election year, it is foolish to believe it will solve any problems. Many politicians choose this path to keep their jobs rather than actually performing their jobs. Many speak of the evil rich however, it is those we label as such that provide all of the jobs in America. I have never been employed by a poor person. My guess is that neither have you. Nobody in the working class or the upper class is looking for special treatment only fair and equal treatment. I would urge the panel to read and consider HR25 "The Fair Tax Bill" as a solution to our current tax structure. This will be evidence as to whether this panel is truly attempting to provide answers to the problems confronting America or are solely interested in preserving their position of power over the citizens of this country.
Comment: I am disturbed by the preliminary reports that the panel is not proposing an overhaul to our unmanagable tax system. The FAIRTAX meets all the criteria the President charged the panel with in making its recommendation. Provide the American people with a recommendation that will make their lives better!
Comment: Members of the Panel
I recently retired from the US Postal Service.
In one year, I have seen my fixed income drop 2,600 dollars.
My concern is that the income tax will continue to drive my income down.
The panel for whatever reason seems to think that raising taxes on the "rich" will miraculously fix all the problems.
This is flawed thinking. We in this country punish the achievers and reward the non-achievers.
We suffocate business with regulations, taxes and other non-essential requirements that inhibit growth.
We re-distribute income from the tax-paying citizens through the earned income tax credit and remove all responsibility for the country from non-tax paying citizens. This does not promote a good sense of belonging, being responsible for what happens to our country.
Please consider other options for reforming our tax code. Surely a better plan than the one I have been reading about in the news could be generated.
Thank you for your attention
Comment: Please read below. It echoes my sentiments quite accurately:
http://www.townhall.com/opinion/columns/nealboortz/2005/10/14/171461.html When President Bush formed his President’s Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform he charged that panel with developing a tax reform proposal that would achieve three principal objectives:
1. The proposal should simplify the Federal tax code so as to reduce the costs of tax compliance.
2. The proposal should promote home ownership and charitable giving.
3. The proposal should promote economic growth, job creation and encourage individual saving and investment while strengthening the competitiveness of the US in the global economy.
We now have a clear indication of the proposals that will come from the president’s tax reform panel, and it’s fair to say that not one of the above objectives will be realized, much less addressed. The tax reform panel, having failed to follow its mandate, should be dissolved immediately and the panel members sent off to create mischief elsewhere.
Former Louisiana Senator John Breaux, who serves with Florida Republican Connie Mack as co-chairs of the panel, announced this week that the panel is not going to seek a wholesale reform of our tax code. No surprise there. Why would politicians want to abandon a tax code that has served them, if not the people, so well for generations? The ability to manipulate tax laws so as to buy votes and reward large campaign contributors is not something we should not expect politicians to abandon without a fight.
If you’re not sitting down, maybe it would be a good idea to pull up a chair. You are about to learn what this esteemed panel is going to propose to meet the three primary charges contained in the Executive Order which brought them to this tax reform dance.
First tax reform proposal: A tax increase for the owners of more expensive homes. Right now home owners are allowed to deduct the interest on the principal balance of home loans up to one million dollars. The panel apparently will recommend that this deduction limit be lowered, perhaps to $350,000. This would mean that taxpayers with loans on more expensive homes will be hit with a tax increase. Admittedly, this reform proposal will resonate with a good many Americans who wallow in wealth envy, so we’ll give the panel some credit for carrying the banner of class warfare.
The panel’s second tax reform proposal will be to require businesses to pay taxes on a portion of the cost of any health insurance or health care benefits provided to employees. Right now employer can deduct those costs. The panel wants to put a limit on what can be deducted. Result? A tax increase for businesses.
The panel proposes to spend the tax money gained from these two tax increases to cover the cost of eliminating the hated Alternative Minimum Tax.
There is nothing in these proposals that would reduce the cost of tax compliance in this country; a cost that by some estimates reaches between $300 and $500 billion a year. In fact, these proposals will increase the cost of tax compliance as individuals and businesses scramble to find a way to deal with these costly new tax rules. There is also nothing in these proposals that would in any way encourage home ownership. You simply do not encourage people to buy homes by threatening their cherished home mortgage interest deduction while raising their income taxes.
Finally, there is nothing in these proposals that would promote economic growth or individual savings and investment. You don’t improve America’s competitive position in the global economy by raising taxes.
There is, however, a proposal that would accomplish the objectives set forth by the president without increasing the tax burden on either the American people or American business. The proposal is H. R. 25, the FairTax Act, and it is the subject of a book co-authored by myself and by the author of H.R. 25, Congressman John Linder (R. Ga.).
Are the people of this country ready for wholesale tax reform? The president’s panel thinks not. Sales of The FairTax Book might indicate otherwise. The FairTax Book made its debut No. 1 on the New York Times Bestseller’s List. It is now in its eighth week as a bestseller. Can you remember the last time a book on tax reform showed this type of strength in the book market? No? Well then maybe there’s something to this tax reform proposal that has struck a chord with the American people.
There is no room here to go into depth on the FairTax. Very briefly stated, H.R. 25 would eliminate all personal and business income taxes, death taxes, Medicare taxes, Social Security taxes, capital gains taxes and the Alternative Minimum Tax. The FairTax would remove the embedded taxes that exist in the retail price of virtually all consumer goods and services, averaging 22%, and replace those embedded taxes with a 23% embedded consumption tax. Every American household would receive a monthly check from the government to cover the consumption taxes that would be paid on the basic necessities of life up to the poverty level. Businesses could operate in America without any tax component on capitol or labor. Individuals could save and invest without any tax consequences. The FairTax plan would completely eliminate the federal tax burden for America’s poorest families while bringing unprecedented economic growth and job expansion. American businesses and American dollars that have fled our crushing tax structure will be able to come back home to work in America without tax consequences. This is the type of tax reform the American people are looking for, not “business-as-usual” tax increases and politically expedient tinkerings with our already-broken tax code.
Enactment of the Fair Tax would constitute the biggest transfer of power from the government to the people since the ratification of our Constitution. Much more information on the FairTax can be gleaned from the website for Americans for Fair Taxation;
http://www.fairtax.org. If the president’s tax reform panel can’t be true to the president’s charge, and respond to the taxpayer’s demands for meaningful reform, it should be dissolved. Our elected leaders need to listen to the voice of the people, not of a panel of political hacks desperate to preserve the present status quo.
LOL! Y'all are acting funnier than I expected. Please keep it up!
Maybe y'all could put on your "No IRS!" t-shirts and picket in front of an IRS office.
I have been giving some thought to the implications of the Fair Tax.