Do you think that we should have a flat rate tax system?
594288
First, I disagree with your postcard statement.  It is going to cost the government a lot of money to collect tax given the current way things are managed and the available resources.  Quite frankly, things are not 100% technically advanced which leads to reduced efficiencies.  However, e-filing continues to set records within the IRS helping to alleviate some of the cost.   Redesign to put forms in "postcard" form would cost far too much.\n\nAs far as flat tax, it depends.  If people could get used to it in simplistic form, then yes it might work.  The sad part is that Congress and others would then try to submit "exceptions to the rule" like, we shouldn't tax poor people, we shouldn't tax real estate, we shouldn't tax businesses who don't make money.  Very soon, we would be right back to the system which is in place.  What a lot of people don't realize is that they might pay as much or more with a flat tax system.\n\nThe current system is overly complex and could use a good simplification.
266036
We have to have taxes, there is no easy way around that.  But, we would be better off if our government uses our taxes more effectiveley.
376231
yeah. Think of the tax you save!
840581
I think it would be a FINE idea... have seen it at work in other countries such as Switzerland and The Netherlands.\n\nThe trouble in the USA is rather simple... business (Contractors) wouldn't permit it.  Imagine all that (relatively) cheap labor in the hands of the government !!  Building our infrastructure: roads, bridges, cleaning our parks, etc... they'd all be on a pay-structure that would drive the UNIONS that get those government contracts batty !!\n\nBut also... THINK of the money the tax-payers could SAVE !!  Projects done for half (or less) of the cost we pay today.  We'd have virtually ZERO unemployment in the 18-21 yr range, and they would gather useful training during that period that might just reduce unemployment further down the road.\n\nApply some rules not unlike the military regarding behavior, fiscal responsibility, and pride.\n\nYes, I like the idea.
718271
No. I think if they are on welfare, there must be a reason why they are on it. If they are on the system, they should do whatever it takes to get out of it. I would really like to see my tax dollars being used for people who accualy need to be on welfare as oppose to ppl who take advantage of it.
1168588
We could get rid of income taxes and just raise sales taxes to ridiculously high rates. We could kidnap people from other countries and reinstate slavery and then use the money they would be making if they were free to pay for roads, education, federal defense, etc... instead. We could strike oil in amounts similar to those found in Saudi Arabia so we'd never have to charge taxes again. We could eliminate public schools, stop building roads and infrastructure, and get rid of our military. But I don't think anyone would care for the first three ways, and the last one just isn't going to happen.
291717
No\n\nIt should go by income brackets. Rich should pay more.
760651
we should raise the gas tax and lower the income tax
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.
743610
Sounds good, I would take it a step further, taxes to be standard, and simplified, as in 10 percent... Now, wouldn't that be nice?
1043759
You've answered your own question.  I always laugh when the Dems come flying out with "another tax break for the rich."  Well of course it should be for the rich.  They pay all the taxes!!!!\n\nMaybe they need some remedial math lessons.  Let's see:\n\nIf Johnny is unemployed and paid 0 dollars in taxes last year, how much will his refund be if the federal government reduces the tax rate for all brackets by 1%?\n\n0 X 1% = 0\n\nAlso, I too think a flat tax has redeeming qualities.  Also, also, the death tax does hurt average Americans.  I am a family farmer; I've seen the numbers.\n\nAlso, MishMash, your $500 wouldn't cover .5% of the quarterly ESTIMATE I have to pay before 6/15, since both my wife and I are employed without children.  By fed standards, we are "rich" with a combined income just over $100K and we paid in excess of $30,000 in taxes last year.
658846
Nah. I think it could be great. War would be rare, people would eat well, education would change to fit individual need, and taxes could be lowered because spending would be different.
1144771
NO WAY! The govt should tax it to help pay the country's debt.
232278
Yes.  In a supposed free country we have very little freedom.  It's time for the government to stop acting like strict parents and let adults make adult decisions.  As long as no one else is hurt, why not?  People have ready access to it anyway.  Why not tax it so our country can benefit from it.
378795
not if you are looking at as a "deduction"\nit's a flat rate up to a ceiling, based on taxable gross income. best way to reduce it is, pretax deductions (401, pretax med insurance, fsa, etc)
177156
Yes. All tips should be 100% tax free. Individual people paying other individual people for private services have already paid taxes on that money a dozen times over.
259524
Yes. Since they are human, they pay tax, the eat and breathe just like anyone else, they should have the same right as anyone else.