Comment: James M. Tuttle 5108 Begonia Dr Charlotte, NC 28215 20 Apr 2005 Sirs, I would propose a tax system based on consumption with no personal or business exemptions. Upon reflection, a National Sales tax of 12% for anything sold would be about right considering no exemptions allowed for business expenses, home ownership, donations, etc. The problem with exemptions, although theoretically laudable, is that they become areas of graft and corruption. Let's keep it simple. I am a homeowner and well aware of the deduction allowed by my home mortgage, but I am sure that homeowners everywhere will trade their deductions for a lower tax armed with the knowledge that no one, especially corporations, get any special treatment or better tax breaks. People will still give to charities whether they are deductible or not. Businesses will continue to spend to encourage their gross sales, but will not become excessive just because they can write it off. The best way to help low income persons is to enable them to gain a higher income through better education and training, which our government already does but could do better. I would also suggest that we eliminate the tax on unprepared foods and all medicines. The National Sales tax can be collected by retailers and routed automatically to government Accounts Receivable DAILY via computer. This way national debt could be pared a bit because of constantly receiving tax money as they are incurred. I would suggest in the strongest manner that the present tax code be completely abolished as soon as possible. Our army of IRS employees could be retrained and used elsewhere in government for jobs of their choice. A National Sales Tax would be extremely simple so as not to hinder trade and economic growth, it's the fairest possible tax, eliminates competition within government for special tax credits, eliminates graft and corruption in Congress for special interests when no exemptions are allowed, and should decrease costs of handling the system by Billions. Special Issues Consider the enormous mental strain and anguish experienced by all taxpayers each year set upon them by their own government. We should see a dramatic increase in life expectancy if the present tax code is abolished and either a flat tax or a National sales tax is used. We need to curtail those ancient incentives to farming, mining, and forestry. Let the capitalist system work. Most farming is now done by huge corporations who do not need subsidizing. It has just turned into corporate welfare as do all tax breaks and exemptions to corporate entities. Please follow the KISS principle: Keep It Simple Stupid. Heck, works for me. Remember the immortal words of Pogo: "I have seen the enemy and he is us" . We keep shooting ourselves in the foot. Keep it simple. Thank you for your time and attention, James M. Tuttle |