I don't see taxes as a punishment, but as a contribution by the individual to the fulfilment of communal tasks. But: the feeling that they are not fair is no random phenomenon. Many of these taxes would certainly feel more pleasant if we could have a direct say in how they are spent. Not via an election and thus via parties and their (non-binding) programmes, but by referendum. If funds were then not channelled into the arms industry and military budget, but perhaps into school infrastructure and cultural funding instead. Just as people are prepared to pay the price for a product that they would like to have, they will also pay taxes that are spent on measures that are perceived as useful without complaining. There are countries with corresponding programmes...
RE: Random musings...Income Tax...
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Random musings...Income Tax...
It would seem to me that contributions must necessarily be voluntary, and if they were voluntary, then there would be no need to do tax returns every year. The contributors name doesn't need to be linked to the voluntary contribution.
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Interesting idea. Anonymous voluntary levies: I'm not sure whether this would make justice possible (even if I don't see it at the moment either...) If nobody pays in voluntarily, communal tasks will fall by the wayside. And if there are only a few of them, they will help finance road construction and waste disposal for the others. I don't think that works with people. The way we tick and function...
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Exactly, that's why I think income tax can't be voluntary, and since it can't be voluntary, it must be forced.
Thanks for replying. That helps me rethink what I've written. :).
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