Russia's Flat Tax System

[Guest dove2]

YES to flat tax for Canada and the U.S.

However, I do agree with Gary's above post.

[barnabas]

Go for it.

Forget about America, I want a flat tax system in Oz! The poor don't pay much tax. The rich don't pay much. It's the middle income earner that supports most of the tax system.

[RGR]

Go for it.

Forget about America, I want a flat tax system in Oz! The poor don't pay much tax. The rich don't pay much. It's the middle income earner that supports most of the tax system.

Where do you get your info that the rich don't pay much? Bill Clinton saw to that! And, BTW, when Reagan lowered taxes on the top 1% of earners, the amount they paid actually WENT UP!!!! Remember, even JFK said a rising tide lifts all boats!

Flat-tax? Great idea, but will never happen!

[WayneB]

Regarding a Flat Tax, I'm not totally convinced yet. I do lean that way, though, but do not feel I could provide a convincing arguement either for it or against it.

What I am sure of, though, is that the current tax code is too complex, easily manipulated and depends on the honesty of man and is therefore definitely corrupted...all reasons for my leaning for a change to a Flat Tax. I am confident that there are many people that do not pay their legal fair share and have no problem cheating the system.

A Flat Tax would provide simplicity with improved oversight with less manpower (less expense) required. If you think about it, the only difference in this context between a sales tax and income tax is what is taxed. Sales taxes can be considered comparable to a Flat Tax and States don't seem to have a big problem collecting those. Imagine what it would be like if we were all responsible to maintain records of all our purchases and mail in a check to the State for the sales tax due. That, in a sense, is what we are doing with the current income tax system. Obviously it wouldn't work for all the same reasons mentioned, which is why the seller is responsible to collect the tax and submit it to the State on our behalf.

A Flat Tax would be taken automatically out of your earnings with no need to file any additonal documentaion. Simple is usually better...at least that's the way it works in managing a business.

My buggest concern is the effect the transition would have on the construction industry short term due to the loss of home mortage interst deductions but I am confident that could be phased properly to minimize the impact

Intersting post George. I wasn't aware that Russia was on a Flat Tax system.

God Bless,

Wayne

[RGR]

I've been a member of Amercians for Fair Taxation for years and am 100% in favor of the USA adopting a tax on consumer goods and eliminating income tax. The more ya spend the more ya pay. And EVERYONE pays one way or the other.

Sounds good to me! No one can complain that the rich don't pay enough or that the poor pay not enough. Then again, they would probably still try to find a way to stick it to the rich!

[RGR]

I've been a member of Amercians for Fair Taxation for years and am 100% in favor of the USA adopting a tax on consumer goods and eliminating income tax.

[RGR]

Looks interesting. The only thing I saw concern with was on charitable giving. Of course, I don't deduct my tithes, etc., so probably not even something I would have to be worried about!

[RGR]

We don't make enough to do all of the deductions, but I must admit, I've always felt a bit squeamish about the thought of taking off tithes, offerings, etc. I give it to the Lord as a freewill offering, not to take off of the taxes. I think this could be part of what we'll be judged on at the Bema Seat Judgement-what was our motive in giving. Some of the people we thought of as big givers will turn out to have not had the right motives I bet! I agree-I won't take off tithes, donations, etc.!!!

[WayneB]

Looks interesting.  The only thing I saw concern with was on charitable giving.  Of course, I don't deduct my tithes, etc., so probably not even something I would have to be worried about!

I don't deduct tithes or charitable donations either. For me it feels like I'm defeating the purpose of "giving". Sorta like I'm saying "here ya go -- but I'll get part of it back later". I keep faith and good will seperate from taxes for personal reasons.

I deduct every penny I legally can...and that includes Tithes and donations. I give them freely in love and NEVER begrudge my obligations. Just a thought though ---why not take the deduction, get your money back from the Government and give that money away to a worthy cause. I give Caesar what is Caesar's...no more and no less. Regardless brothers, you should do what your convictions lead you to do. I respect that. Just wanted to give you another way to look at it.

God Bless,

Wayne

[RGR]

Thanks, but still not convinced!