For those of you who are mailing your taxes today, I will assume that it is because you owe (if not, you should be ashamed of you procrastination ;) ) the IRS a check, there is another idea out there.

http://fairtax.org/

Not sure that this is really an AoDA topic, but am afraid that it somehow might lead to a heated debate (one of my topics become heated, NO WAY! :p ), so I decided against Whatnots just to be on the safe side. Those so empowered, please move if you feel it appropriate.

A bit off-topic, but:

http://www.ucomics.com/foxtrot/2004/04/14/

Anyway, Canada introduced the tax you refer to (we call it the Goods and Services Tax) 13 years ago, and got rid of a hidden tax called the Manufacturers’ Sales Tax. While I was in favor of it, most Canadians weren't. It cost the Progressive Conservative government the next election (it actually almost obliterated the party) and they never recovered. They recently had to merge with a relatively new party just to stay alive.

Now granted, the GST didn't replace income tax, but that would be incredibly difficult to do.

Bottom line - economically smart, political suicide.

[ April 15, 2004, 16:26: Message edited by: Splunge ]

I am a CPA. Hopefully, after today I'll be able to post more often. :)

This has been one grueling tax season.

Not sure if a National Sales Tax would work or not...economists claim it's a regressive tax. Without income tax, think of all the accountants and tax attorneys who would be out of work...can you picture Splunge, Snook, JSBB and DMC all hanging out at the corner in your neighborhood! :eek: :eek: .

The Hacken Slash plan for fiscal security might work better...keep income tax as a flat tax of 12% with no deductions, round all purchases under $100 up to the nearest 10 cents, round all purchases between $100 and $1000 to the nearest dollar, round all purchases between $1000 and $10,000 to the nearest $10, so on and so on...apply the difference to the federal government...stop minting pennies and nickels...apply the savings to the federal government...employ public school drop-outs as cashiers.

We have had GST in New Zealand since about 1987. I've not noticed any problems with this tax. I think it's quite a reasonable concept. They also have this tax in the UK, but call it VAT.

Yes, Americans should remember when making the check for their taxes, there are two Ls in Halliburton. :p

Support the War in Iraq, and get the most "Bang" for your "Bucks." :grin:

Infernal Tax Collector (http://www.somethingpositive.net)

and it looks like there might be a candidate in 2008 who agrees with this approach, Darkwolf! :D :roll:

Surprise, surprise, surprise! (http://entertainment.msn.com/news/article.aspx?news=155763)

[ April 16, 2004, 15:31: Message edited by: Rallymama ]