Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kuros]

BJWD, let me make this quick.

I believe that any form of taxation for even the richest citizens should never break 40% (and that includes the effect of compounded or double taxes). I believe that progressive taxation is a solution to avoid all other social programs (taking less is better than giving anything). I believe that a lot of the deductions and even credits are more complicated than they need to be, but also pet programs of private interests.

As an American, I believe that we need to support the military we have. I think the rich should pay more taxes to support it, since they are less likely to have to serve in it. As an American, I think the current rates of taxes are generous, and we need to think about addressing the deficit spending. I think we could start by simply gutting the bulk of W.'s social programs (he and GOP Congress has authorized more social spending than LBJ during the height of the War on Poverty even accounting for inflation).

I am open to other forms of taxation, as long as it is economically viable. Sorry, but Estonia and Russia do not an economic example make. Neither do fluff Economist pieces (yes, its a good mag but not everything can be gold, can it?). The income tax in America was started in 1913. If they want to end it tomorrow and replace it with something better, fine.

[mithridates]

Estonia also has conscription for 2 years or so (assuming they still have it, they did in 1998 when I was there) so that's another way in which it's different from the US.

[mindmetoo]

[Kuros]

[EFLtrainer]

I'm not a tax expert by any means. How about zero tax on anyone at or below poverty level, a rate for those between poverty and wealthy and a rate for the wealthy (top 20%) and a flat rate on corporations?

Perhaps a handful of deductions, like child deductions, home loan interest. No more than say 5 to 10. None for the top 20%.

Oh, and toss in corporations cannot contribute to ANY campaign (they are not voters) and fed. funding of elections. No private money AT ALL.

[friendofIgnatius J.]

Another idea to throw into the mix, rather than progressive taxation vs. flat taxes what about a "tax shift"?

A good explanation can be found here: http://www.sightline.org/publications/books/tax-shift/taxshiftexcerpt

The basic theory is that we all view taxes as "bad". So why do we tax income and consumption, which we all view as "good"? We should tax activities and waste that are wasteful and/or harmful. The overall goal would not be to lower the tax base, but to use taxes to encourage and promote positive behavior and activities in the areas as health, the environment, and public behavior.

A simple example would be to abolish taxes on fruit and vegetables and raise taxes on process goods like candy bars. A more complex example would be to lower taxes on labor and capital and increase taxes on resources. This would cause an increase in conservation, while increasing productivity. A benefit to the multinational and the environmentalist.

I think the future lies not with tired old concepts like progressive taxation vs. flat taxes but with more imaginative ways to promote positive behaviors.

Peace

[Kuros]