Posted: Jun 06, 2005 By: Dean Camp

Subject: Tax Reform

Comment: My comment, although short, is quite sincere. I feel as the current Income Tax system is unfair and very burdensome to the individual. I spend at least 40 hours per year on Income Tax filing (for myself and family members). I am also often unclear as to the proper reporting of income and expenses, and calls to the IRS don't clear up the questions (I have received completly opposite answers on the exact same question from different IRS employees on several occasions).

The only solution to all of the problems with the current Income Tax structure is to eliminate it completly, and go to some sort of national sales tax. I have read articles on the "Fair Tax", and although I don't have all of the details, it seems closest to what I am talking about.

The sales tax could be set up to be "progressive", in that basic items such as food and clothing, etc, could be free from sales tax, whereas luxury items (expensive cars, boats, expensive clothing, etc), could be taxed at a very high rate. The sales tax would be relatively easy to administer, since most states already impose a state sales tax, the the national sales tax could be just added on (no extra paperwork for retailers). The sales tax would be applied to most goods sold, including imports, which would help level the playing field with our trading partners. And best of all, there would be no individual filing necessary.

The list of advantages to a National Sales Tax goes on and on.

Thanks for listening.

Dean Camp