[Mr. K]

The Flat Tax MUST NOT HAVE and “pre-bates”

That is a horror story in the making. If they give ANY pre-bates Democraps will be falling all over themselves to see who can promise a bigger pre-bate. There is no way that ever goes DOWN.

I could be persuaded to have a flat tax of any income OVER the poverty level, but even that will be kicking and screaming

[Smokin' Joe]

I could go with a sales tax provided the income tax was eliminated (repeal the 16th), and provided food, fuel, medical care and primary housing were not taxed. Those are needed for basic survival.

No prebate is necessary if no tax is collected on the basics.

The tax could be collected at point of sale, and even the "underground economy" would pay up on items legally purchased.