Goodbye IRS ??!!

[bugsNbows]

Has anybody out there read the Fair Tax Book by Neal Boortz and Congressman John Linder? There seems to be alot of traction in these parts to get this rolling. Several key Congressional leaders have indicated they back the idea. Sure seems good to me. Hell, even the illegal aliens would be paying some taxes AND getting rid of the IRS would be wonderful. Maybe sometime all of the useless Washington politicans and lobbyists would actually do something beneficial for the country rather than just worrying about themselves and their power. Time for term limits too, IMO.

[Aught Six]

I think it would be tremendously beneficial for America ifCongress were todo away with the IRS. That would shake Washington's power circleto the core, but I doubt many hard-working citizens would complain. Just about everyone agrees that the feds have grown way too fat over the decades, and the only way to change that is to starve them.

I haven't read the book you mentioned, but what is its main premise?

[kevin1]

Even if Congress dismantled the IRS tomorrow they would create a similar entity the next day . After all , with a flat tax who counts the beans that Uncle Sam is supposed to receive ? I frankly think that the fed and state goobs could comfortably exist in the form that the Foundinders envisioned on 10% of my gross , and I'd be happy to see that happen, but that would mean cutting out every ounce of waste , fraud , and inefficiency . The two combined are the largest employer in the US , that alone should tell us that a problem exists . No offense meant to civil service workers .

[vc1111]

Talking about massive tax reform, as in discussions about about a flat tax, makes for amusing conversation but its not unlike talking about what you'd do if you hit the lottery. Interesting, but not about to happen anytime soon.

The system as is stands is preciesly they way our government wants it...confusing and intimidating for the average taxpayer.

Elimination of the IRS? When pigs fly.

[Briman]

The government only grows in one direction: bigger.

[Charlie P]

If they do this you will no longer have a deduction for your interest on your home mortgage.

[bugsNbows]

Never say never boys (and girls too). It just may happen!!! The Fair Tax is basically a National retail sales tax (NOT A FLAT TAX) that completely replaces the income tax. There are several very compelling arguments to support this effort. No more payroll deductions. April 15 will become just another spring day. You only pay tax on what you purchase at the retail level. Life's basic necessity costs are reimbursed to you. Keep an open mind. For more info check out their website @ www.fairtax.org. There is a new paperback version of the book currently on Amazon.com for about $10. This isn't just a money maker for the author(s). Boortz is donating all of his royalities to charity. The original hard copy was a NY Times bestseller for many weeks. This could change (entirely) our whole economy... for the good. JUST DO THE RESEARCH FOR YOURSELF.

[kevin1]

What I've seen suggests that they would begin at current goob spending levels with a "natl. retail tax" that would be unacceptably high compared to the current system thereby stifling economic growth .

Tax my gross at 10% to be distributed to both fed and state equally and let them adjust the size of the respective goobs to fit that budget . If they feel they need more money than that then may I respectfully suggest that rather than raise taxes they should instead hold a national bake sale or lottery to raise the desired revenue . Under this system more money would be freed up for the individual taxpayer to invest or spend , both of which empower our economy from the inside .More investment leads to more individual wealth and therefore more tax revenue to fund social programs and infrastructure . Retirement deductions would be tax exempt until withdrawn .

[vc1111]

If they do this you will no longer have a deduction for your interest on your home mortgage.

Charlie is right as usual.

This is one of hundreds of flys in the proverbial ointment. Further, a national sales tax could and most likely would eliminate the ability of our government to promote that which is desirable and thwart that which is not desirable within our society by eliminating things like tax credits and deductions on a variety of goods and services.

You may toss the idea of a national sales tax in the same bag with the flat tax for that very simple reason.

Flat tax? National sales tax? A simplified tax system? When pigs fly.

Some things are necessarily complex.

[burniegoeasily]

I don't see how it could fly with out creating many other money pits in the process. I feel what Kevin said will provide to big of a hurtle as well;

I'd be happy to see that happen, but that would mean cutting out every ounce of waste , fraud , and inefficiency