taxation

[BigV]

Originally Posted by henry quirk

What is equitable ('fair') taxation?

That is: if you had your say, how would you structure American taxation (on the local, state, and/or federal levels)?

I don't think there's a strictly numeric answer that is suitable. I think the taxes levied should be in proportion to how much a given project* costs, and the scope of such projects*. National scope--federal taxes, state--state, local--local.

* Projects. I struggled with this word, it is not the right word. Perhaps budget is a better word. But budgets should be the accounting for projects, projects should be the tools to effect goals. Certainly we have goals as a nation, as states, as communities. Interstate highways are projects that effect so many of our national goals, like commerce (and others) therefore federal taxes. Paying for public schools is a local taxation obligation.

Details, details... Some things are not easily and strictly put into a single box, national, state, local. And there are numerous authorities that can raise money for projects in ways that are not "taxes", like fees and tolls.

In general, I believe that those who benefit should pay. That is a very hard distinction to define precisely.