You don't think people are finding ways to avoid paying the current state income tax now? Drug dealers, selling stolen goods. Are they paying income taxes? NO.
But they do buy things. A sales tax penetrates the underground economy. Frankly I don't think a few “rich” people are going to go out of their way to save one cent's worth of sales tax. But if they don't pay state income tax, they may save thousands if they only buy basic necessities.
And so will the middle class save. And lower income gets the prebate exemption based on the poverty level.
You are so consumed by rich people “getting away” with paying taxes. I guess you think taxes need to be redistributed by the government so only the rich pay and the poor get checks.
Taxes happen for two reasons--Yes, they are the price of civilization and the state of Missouri has a budget that must be met--whatever amount it is, whatever services it does or does not offer. More importantly, people need to keep what they make so that capitalism can continue. The power of a dollar kept in the private sector outperforms a dollar sent to government. However, I do not think that, because of my numbers presented in an earlier post, either the state will be able to make its budget goals nor will the average citizen be better off if we go from income to fair tax. Worst of all, there is no incentive for saving or investment, the foundation of future economic growth.