Is it really fair that the more money you make, the more taxes you should pay?

Question

You've worked hard to increase your income and now you are in a higher tax bracket. Is this really fair? Shouldn't everyone be taxed the same across the board? Pros and Cons welcome.

Answer 1

I think the most fair tax would be to tax the same percentage of income for everyone, without any tax deductions.  And if the poor don't have enough income.  Then the government should provide them with some assistance through social programs.

This way the rich will pay more money in dollar terms than the poor.  But they won't have any need to hide their income in order to avoid being put into a higher tax bracket.

When people think that the tax system is unfair.  Then they look for ways to avoid paying taxes.  And the rich more often than poor find many ways to avoid paying taxes.  Which is not fair either.

Answer 2

no it's not.  in fact, poor people should pay more taxes.  they don't need the money any ways, they can't afford to buy anything, might as well give it to someone who can.

Answer 3

Economist mostly recommend a "negative tax rate".  It works like this...a tax rate like this (your incomes-20,000) * X percent= your tax liability.  If your incomes was 10,000, you would actually recieve money, it would be a (negative tax).  Anyways, I think this would not distory incentives that cause the poor person to decide not to get a job because of marginal tax rates.  I think marginal tax rates suck.

Answer 4

There are 3 types of taxes (i think) and all got its pros and cons. If we all paid the same tax then the rich, becomes richer and the poor, poorer. No one looks out for the poor man anymore!!

Answer 5

it would be considered fair because you would stillmake more money then those who do not have higher paying jobs.. the government does not want you to become filthy rich

Answer 6

h**l no...why should the poor become poorer...i made good money until i retired...i didnt like the tax situation much either...but i made it and am still living comfortably on my investments

Answer 7

Whether it's fair or not is debatable, but you asked the question in the economics section, and it's lousy economics. Progressive taxation discourages economic activity and penalizes most the most productive. The more you tax something, the less you will get of it.