9+9+9, flat tax or what ever, why is it so hard to get it simple and right?

I suspect everyone wants a simple and fair tax system and one that is reasonably progressive and certainly not regressive. The tax code is loaded with deductions, credits, exclusions and all manner of complex accounting and record keeping. All that got there to benefit one constituency or another, or to promote some social goal.

To make the tax code simple you simply scrap it all, you pay taxes on your total income from all sources, no exceptions. Once you have the base income number you decide what overall percentage of that number is required to run the government and you convert the single aggregate percentage to a graduated income tax similar to what we have now, but of course with lower percentages.

Everyone pays something. It may only be 2%, but something. This would be the only federal personal tax, the estate tax is eliminated. States with an income tax would base income on the same rules and adjust their percentages accordingly.

This approach is simple but follows the existing structure. Individuals who had all their income reported on a W-2 would not be required to file a tax return. Projecting federal revenue (along with the cash available to spend) would be relatively easy, perhaps too easy for those who want to spend more.

You don’t need another new system that people can take shots at, no+no+no. You need people with guts to just do it!

Simple and transparent is good, except perhaps if you are among the accountants, tax lawyers and preparers who now must find other sources of income… not to mention TurboTax and the like.