Subject: Fair Tax HR 25 Identification Eligibility Equity Comment: Under HR 25 Fair Tax proposed section 302(b)(2)(A), a Social Security Number is required as identification for an individual to qualify as a family member eligible for the Family Consumption Allowance. This should be modified to allow the documents that are necessary to apply for and receive a Social Security Number to be equally acceptable as a Social Security Number that these documents would otherwise entitle a person to be assigned. This is necessary for two reasons. First, it is in keeping with the tradition that a Social Security Number is intended to be used for Social Security and tax purposes only, and not for identification. Second, in keeping with present conscientious objection exemption from compelled membership in the Social Security system for religious reasons, all those who object to enrolling in the system, but can show official documentation that makes them otherwise fully eligible to join, should be qualified family members for the Family Consumption Allowance. These persons would pay the full sales tax the same as all others once their Family Consumption Allowance is exceeded. The proposed Identification Requirements section is now worded this way: (A) have a bona fide Social Security number, and (B) be a lawful resident of the United States It should be modified in this or similar manner: (A) (i) have a bona fide Social Security number, or (ii) documentation sufficient to obtain a Social Security number, in which case the Secretary shall issue a taxpayer identification number to such person, and (B) be a lawful resident of the United States Respectfully, Gregg Hoover |