Are you opposed to "The Fair Tax"?  If so, why?
535661
I'm opposed to the Fair Tax. The reason is that it will end up causing an undue hardship for many Americans. I'm sure a lot of people out there live from pay check to pay check and can't risk having an extra 23% added to grocery bills and other expenses weekly. Even if you do give rebates it wouldn't help the people who need it right away. If it does ever pass it will also make the credit card debt situation even worse. People will have to use credit cards more than they had too before.  \n\nI don't think we should change our tax code so people will have an easier time doing their taxes. The ones who want to do away with the IRS must have something to hide.The IRS can get people on charges easier than DA's can get a guy on murder  It isn't that complicated to do your own taxes. Investors, CEOs and rich guys don't want to pay taxes on their money. A "fair tax" is not fair. As a percentage of income the rich will always be paying less than the average person. \n\nI live here in Georgia where John Linder represents so it's kind of in the news a lot. Just yesterday they had a Fair Tax rally in Gwinnet County, Georgia. Also don't appreciate the comment about public schools being indoctrination centers. Guru you've listened to Neil Boortz too much.
76658
Taxes are legal and vary state to state. I agree that I don't think that all taxes are fair, but unfortunately taxes are a part of life that we are forced to live with. \nThere is one way to avoid cigarette taxes... Quit smoking! I just celebrated being smoke free for (1) year... I've been putting the money I use to spend on cigarette in a can and after one year of being smoke free I had over $1700.00 saved (tax free).
516151
Actually, there has been just such a movement that gains momentum with each Congress called the Fair Tax, and it addresses many of the issues that some answerers here say are a problem such as unfair burdens on the poor, the theoretical increase in taxation and the decrease in growth it will cause. All are untrue.\n\nThe Fair Tax is an idea that was developed in Houston, Texas in the late 1980s and early 1990s as a response to a challenge to design a fairer, more simple tax code. In its simplest, most basic form, the Fair Tax is a consumption tax that is proposed to replace all federal taxes. It is designed to eliminate the income tax (and thus the IRS), marriage and death taxes, capital gains tax, etc.\n\nIn essence it proposes to implement what is basically a 21-23% consumption tax on new products. Because the consumption tax eliminates income and other taxes, if you make $15 an hour, you take home $15 per hour. You only pay taxes when you spend it.\n\nPrices on consumer products would not raise in price because there is an embedded tax of approximately 21% built into every product we buy today anyway. An embedded tax is the tax burden of the manufacturers, distributors, retailers, etc that they don't pay ... they pass the cost on to the consumer. The free market, within a year, would eliminate the embedded tax bringing prices down to where they are now.\n\nThis has actually happened in an airline ticket tax back in the 1990s. A particular tax (I forget which one) was eliminated by the government. At first, the airlines said, "Let's not lower the price of a ticket. That is that much more profit for us." Soon, however, the free market took over and airlines began lowering the prices to attract customers. Within a few months, all airlines had lowered their prices accordingly.\n\nThere are also provisions that basically amount to tax credits for low income families. While they would pay the tax at registers, the Fair Tax proposes to set up accounts into which a "refund" is deposited equal to the amount they would need to pay the tax on housing, food and utilities.\n\nThe economic boom this country would see as a result of the Fair Tax would make any other economic growth period in this country pale in comparison. As people begin to spend and invest the extra money they are taking home, the government's share would increase as more and more goods are bought. After a short while, the government is projected to have a surplus of funds.\n\nNow why should we switch to such a radical, untested tax policy such as a consumption tax? Well, it is neither radical nor untested. In fact, the seventh largest economy in the world uses it, and its citizens pay no income tax. The State of Texas has used a very similar tax system for decades. It is tried and true.\n\nComputer models of the Fair Tax have been run by conservative, moderate and liberal think tanks, and they have all come to the same basic conclusion. The Fair Tax would work and work beyond our wildest dreams.\n\nIt is a very interesting proposal that has been gaining support in Congress over the last few years. It is important that you let your Congressional and Executive branch leaders now that you support the Fair Tax.\n\nI have really not done the proposal justice, though. See the links below for the Fair Tax website, the Fair Tax book and how to find and contact Congressional and Executive branch leadership.\n\nSorry for such a long answer, but I am passionate about the Fair Tax! ;-) \n\nSource(s):\nhttp://www.fairtax.org/ - Fair Tax website
591946
Enact the FairTax and all these types of questions are eliminated. Its called the Fair Tax for a reason. It's fair to all people.
273608
There is the Libertarian party. Their ideas still fall short, but I like their potential, which is better than the Reps or Dems. Also they would more likely pass the FairTax act (HR25).
718924
I'm a liberal because I think for myself, believe in true equality for all, and I don't think that a government that bases it's policies on the 'needs' of Big Business has my (or your) best interests at heart. In addition, I value the future as a gift for my daughter, and conservatives only seem to think and plan in four year blocks.
837864
Remember when the ultimate liberal, Jerry Brown was running for president back in 1992? He ran on a idea of changing the tax code to just a flat 18 per cent for everyone. He used to show a post  card and said that this could be the new tax form. I remember Republican really ridiculed him for that and hated the idea. Republicans have sucked ever since.\nPersonally I like the Democrat's idea of getting rid of income tax all together and going to a federal sales tax. Conservative republicans have had six years to change the tax code but haven't done anything. Maybe when the democrates get control of congress next week they can change things.
734732
I only resent ignorant knucklehead's who's irresponsible actions waste our limited resources while giving back little, if anything in return, and the crooked politicians who's give away programs in exchange for their votes perpetuate the problem. Hey dude, if you work and take care of yourself and your family and help to pay for the services that we all enjoy as a civilized society you are ok with me. But don't expect me to embrace the people that cause the government to tell me they need me to  pay more in taxes for the mistakes or exclusive interests of others. That goes for the politicians too, and I don't care what their political affiliation is. The political hacks that sign off on $500 toilet seats, the ones that sneak excessive riders inside good legislative proposals inflating the cost to the tax payers while benefiting constituents of the person drafting such legislation. There is a long list of past and present politicians, and those yet to come who have, and will,  put their own special interests ahead of the common good of the country. One mans floor is another mans ceiling, and I like the idea that I, and not the government, should be in control of my own personal destiny and I should be able to earn as much money as I legally can without having the government progressivly over taxing my extra effort.
519166
at some point, we all have to pay tax... the question is how much... whether it's fair or not depends on the economy and of cos it's ppl... however, i don't think the gov cares...
422527
VAT is an EU sales tax and is more than just 17.5%. It actually is quite a complex tax that is present in many countries around the world. Is it fair, sales tax is supposed to be a key revenue stream for governments around the world and it is key to a strong economy. However, due to its complexity it is hard to give relief from the tax in areas that need it (such as charities and disabled usage) without people using such loop holes for ineligible use. On the otherhand the way in which the tax is applied by the tax man can sometimes seem unpractical and harsh.\n\nFuture... it depends on whether the EU looks to cut red tape and improve the environment that businesses operate in or whether they look to close the VAT gap and tighten the net on those who evade taxes, which often means that others who benfited from ligitimate gains also lose out. At this moment it could go either way.
589716
Changes can be disruptive.  I do not agree that we always oppose changes.  Nor do we always accept changes.  It depends what is being changed.\nIf the government raises my taxes, I always oppose it.\nIf the government lowers my taxes, I always accept it.
1020190
What you don't want clean air?  Cuz I'm SURE that each ten bucks goes directly purifying the air.  \n\nIt's just another tax to support a lame no authority government agency that was created to give some politician's nephew a job.
1026805
I do not mind paying taxes it is the back bone of our nation. what I do not like is those who cheat or find ways not to pay plus those who get a free ride on our taxes as welfare,food stamps and other free gives. I think everyone should be made to work to receive these free rides. I know some are not able to work but even a person in a wheelchair could do something.
202564
You have a good point there.  Yes, a flat tax would definitely be the best.  That way more people would be encouraged to start businesses, or expand their existing businesses, thus creating more jobs for everybody.\nThe current tax system is "supposed" to make the income more equal to everybody, when in fact it's the middle class that pays the most taxes - not the welfare people, 'cause they don't earn money, and not the business owners (which would be considered rich), 'cause of the write-offs allowed.  The people in favor of the progressive income tax are shooting themselves in the foot, and don't realize it.
948605
The sales tax is the most fair tax of all.  If you are rich, you buy more and therefore pay more taxes.  If you are poor, you don't pay as many taxes because you can't buy.  This of course relies on the current tax laws which exempt staples (food, water, etc) from sales taxes.\n\nI would support a national sales tax and have the income tax and all deductions stopped.
1127557
Check out and support the best bill ever introduced in congress: The Fair Tax! HR 25 S 25\n\nIt will eliminate all other Federal taxes and replace it with a sales tax on new items and services.  I think it would be the best thing that has ever happened to our economy!  Check out the link!\n\nNo income tax, no deductions, no paperwork.
743493
Er......I think if you were starting a business where you expected to pay 40% income tax on top of corporation tax, you would know the answer to this?\n\nAnd the odd thing is, usually people who put on daft questions like this try to make them vaguely funny..................\n\nSorry - maybe I'm just not in the mood.