Let's see here. The retailer gets your 100 bucks. OK. Then, as you say, he sends off $30 of that to the taxing authority.
Hmmmm. Looks like he ends up keeping $70. And $30 goes to the taxing authority. Hmmmm.
If the original $100 were indeed the price of the good in question, looks like the tax rate is 30%. Or, if it turns out $70 were the price of the good in question, the it looks like the tax rate is 43%. Hmmmm....
What happened to 23%?
Of couse, in the above example which you've offered, the $70 kept by the retailer is more than likely the cost of goods sold, plus an allowance for profit. The figure, unlike today's prices, does not include provision for taxes. That's what the $30 is in your "argument".
If indeed his costs are $70, then at the proposed NRST rate of 23%, the (Federal) tax in question would be $16.10, for a total price of $86.10.
That's still quantatively better than $100.
Hmmmm.....
What did you say was your major in school again?
CA....
No, the retailer collects a total of $130 from the customer. The retailer keeps $100 and sends $30 to the taxing authority.
What happened to 23%?
The 23% is the after tax percentage. 23% of the $130 is roughly the $30 tax.
What did you say was your major in school again?
An electrical engineer. Never got below an A in any math course including a year calculus and statistics. Can't say that for any of my other classes though. Thanks for your concern, but it is not me who is confused.