Posted: Apr 25, 2005 By: Kim & Tim Poole

Comment: For many years, I have thought that a consumption tax that excluded housing,
groceries and medicine would be a better alternative to the current system.
This would make the consumption tax less regressive for lower wage earners
and it would make for a less complicated system. April 15 would not be a
significant date as it now is. The IRS's job would be to make sure
retailers compiled with their obligations and the IRS would not need to
enforce actions against the consumer. Those that are in illegal activities
or those that were in cash businesses that failed to report their earnings
would be in the system as far as paying taxes. All consumers would pay
their taxes at the cash register. In a flat tax situation, there is still
the problem of unreported earnings. I think consumer prices would fall
allowing a growth in spending leading to a growth in the economy. Although
I can see a few problems, I think this is the BEST alternative for taxing.



Thanks,

Tim Poole