Is it possible that the idea of a flat rate income tax is really a good idea? Some persons claim that everyone paying at the same tax rate, with no deductions or exemptions, is far fairer than the present system where the wealthy can presumably avoid their obligations with clever accounting tricks. Over the years the idea has been promoted by such public figures as presidential aspirant Steve Forbes and one-time California Governor Jerry Brown.

Arguments against the flat tax come from representatives of all classes. Those who claim to speak for the poor maintain that the anticipated flat tax rate, generally estimated to be no more than 15-20%, will put money in the pockets of the rich by lowering the top brackets in which they currently reside. Members of the upper end of the income scale vehemently denounce the flat tax, contending that the loss of legitimate deductions and credits will penalize them, resulting in their bearing an even greater share of the nation’s tax load. And of course many in the great middle class are equally hostile to the idea, fearing that the loss of such benefits as family exemptions and mortgage interest deductions will work to their ultimate disadvantage. For every enthusiastic supporter of the flat tax you can find an equally vocal opponent.

It cannot be denied that the world of taxation is hostile, and the government’s appetite for the citizens’ dollars is insatiable. It’s likely that whatever flat tax compromise might ever be reached, the bureaucrats’ take will be at least what it currently is—and quite possibly larger. This is because there’s no way to tell what laws will eventually come to pass after the political infighting ends. The lobbying activities will be intense while the charges and countercharges hurled will exceed anything in recent memory. Without a doubt, one thing can be counted upon: Fairness will not be a major consideration in whatever legislation is finally enacted.Perhaps a final comment is in order. Most taxpayers resent having their money taken, so the politicians must regularly genuflect to the concept of tax relief, and an endless variety of proposals are periodically floated to convince the citizens that their best interests are uppermost in the minds of their leaders. The flat tax is but one such contrivance.

A concluding thought:
Although I entertain some preconceived biases on this matter, I recognize that there are valid arguments both pro and con. For those of you with strong opinions on this subject, I’d be pleased if you’d share them with us.