Do you believe in paying tax?
Most people would say, 'no', but at the same time they will coincide that there must be a way for the government to raise money to maintain and protect the rights of its' citizens. Consider countries that do not tax their citizens and they are able to maintain a high degree of life style and protection for their citizens (Re: Sweden). So if there are countries can do without tax does it mean the problem is mismanagement of funds or just criminal acts?
Sweden has no taxes? What do you mean by taxes?
Personally I do pay taxes because I feel the Lord wants me too; but I do not feel it is as it should be.
I cannot take money from someone else by force, therefore how can I delegate such a power to government?
I must conclude enforced taxation is wrong. It is stealing, albeit "legally".
I believe a just system can be founded by voluntary taxation - or taxation that is paid after making an agreement or contract in society. Those not under such a contract would not benefit from the protection/services (though should they need it they would have to pay user fees).
I would also say that taxation should, in my view, only apply to very specific things - essentially those which benefit (directly benefit) all people equally which would *not* include transport, health, education.
Th etex would also be uniform, all people's rights to own and control property being the same it would be unjust to tax some in higher bands than others.
In my humble opinion,
Dubhdara.
International Level: Junior Politician / Political Participation: 100 10%
I believe there must be some sort of taxation, but it should be so small that it is not even noticeable, why - because the government would handle profits incurred from foreign spending and natural resources that there would be no need for 'additional' taxes. In reference to what Neo placed above you can check these links for place with little or no tax:
https://www.stockholmtown.com/Templates/Pre...__9450__EN.aspx
https://www.lectlaw.com/filesh/bbg31.htm
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 3231 100%
I believe that taxes should be implemented but in a better way. For example, in my opinion, all imported goods should be taxed higher than goods that are produced locally. This promotes production and purchase of local goods and promotes self-sufficiency. I agree with the luxury tax, as items that are not necessary and have a high price-tag should see an increase in taxes. Basic necessities should not be taxed in my opinion, or have a very small tax on them. This includes food, clothes, shelter and basic utilities like water, electricity and natural gas.
Offtopic but, In the US I would really like to see the elimination of income tax followed by an increase in sales tax. Tax purchases, not income |
International Level: Envoy / Political Participation: 241 24.1%
It took the human race 4000 years to create a organised society, which includes important institutions like armys to defend us, schools to teach us, the police to enforce law, a welfare system to keep us out of poverty and a governmnet to represent us. These things need to be funded in some shape or form, they cant pull wealth out of the air so therefore we pay some of our wealth to fund this (taxes).
Countries that pay low taxes ussually have a higher amount of crime and general corruption, that is because that society is so fragmented that these services (police, welfare etc) dont reach the people. A country with very low income tax (America) has large amounts of crime, where as a country like Denmark, where income tax is relatively high, crime and general social dillemas are limited.
You have to find the right balance. Do you want great public services, but you gotta pay for them. Or do you want rubbish services, and save money.
I recieve a education and a ok income provided by the taxpayer. I know that my country (Britain) is investing in me so I can get qualified and invest back in a few years to come. I will be happy to pay taxes when I know that someone like me who comes from a poor background will have the chance to suceed in his life.
And im not wasting a darn penny of it, I appreciate what I recieve and work hard for it.
QUOTE |
Offtopic but, In the US I would really like to see the elimination of income tax followed by an increase in sales tax. Tax purchases, not income |
International Level: Diplomat / Political Participation: 320 32%
I think I agree more with FunBikerChic on this one. I have never been a fan of sales tax. Rather, I would like to see a single income tax. This way it would be simple to see what the government is taking from you. As it stands now I feel like the government here (America) just nickles and dimes you and hopes you don't notice. I will disagree on the flat tax however, though I can remember being an advocate of it at one time. If those that are rich take upon themselves a greater portion of the tax burden and thus reduce the strain on the poor then this has the potential to reduce the enormous income gap between the rich and poor. Most of America's money is held by a small portion of the population and I for one wouldn't mind seeing this trend decline.
The views expressed above are more in keeping with a Socialist concept of wealth distribution, but not entirely. While I advocate a greater tax on the wealthy, I would not want a crippling tax whereby economic growth would become stunted.
Taxes are needed to pay for social programs to aid those who do not market themselves well and need help at their lowest and I for one do not mind paying them, but wasteful spending gets on my nerves. While I don't mind making a tank, or feeding the poor- I just think that $500 is a bit too much for a toilet seat!
-Unferth