What do you think about a national sales tax that replaces the current system?

Question

Recently Mike Huckabee , (R) suggested that we should toss out the IRS and have a national sales tax of 23% , on the surface this seems like a great alternative to the current, confusing, time consuming system we have. He suggests no more income tax . He outlines his idea on his website. Do you think that this would be a good replacement of the current system ? Why or why not ?

Answer 1

It would raise the cost of living like the GST/ VAT has in lots of countries because people would be more inclined to produce their own products than buy them, so to keep up profits stores will need to raise the cost of items people can't make for themselves.

Answer 2

I favor the elimination of the income tax.

Pros:
1. The immediate elimination of the Capital Gains tax
2. The immediate elimination of the Inheritance tax
3. The immediate elimination of the Marriage tax, unless you have a spendaholic spouse, then that is your problem
4. The immediate elimination of any penalties to acquiring wealth
Cons:
1. Give me a minute, I'm still thinking

A national sales tax would have to be done in a manner that does not place anyone at risk from doing so. The way to this is to have non taxable goods that are a necessity to survival and health:
Non prepared food items
Personal hygiene products
Utilities - gas, electricity, heating oil, ect.
Housing

Answer 3

No. The income tax is the ONLY tax that has any bearing to a person's income. An unemployed person, senior citizens, the working poor, are already paying an unfair portion of taxes; Huckabee's plan would cause them to make even more serious choices than "food or medicine".

Answer 4

I think the actual impact would be counter-productive. People have no choice to pay income tax, and they're cushioned partially from "feeling" it because it's deducted before they get their money. However, every time you made a purchase, you would "feel" the impact of a 23% sales tax and it would be perceived as a greater personal loss, motivating people to avoid or reduce spending which would hurt the economy and drive prices up which in turn would make people even less willing to spend.

Answer 5

NO, each state has different needs which it has figured into the sales tax for that state. And they have other taxes which figure into the equation for what that state needs to fund its operation and programs. A flat income tax is the only way to go for federal operating revenue. A NATIONAL SALES TAX MAY SOUND GOOD UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY THINK ABOUT IT!!

Answer 6

I would have to study it more in depth. But on the surface it looks like a very interesting idea. It would be great to GET RID of the IRS!!!!

Answer 7

well as it stands now we get taxed on goods, food, property, our own goddamed pay checks, gas, water, and then we have to pay taxes every year. the system is screwed, streamlining it would help, i dont think the government should be able to take money away from the person who worked for it before they even get their check, then take away more money every time we spend from our check. taxin here taxin there we should say f that and just pay taxes on stuff, no payrole tax, no property tax, no income tax, just for food, gas, services, etc.