Letter: ‘Fair tax’ would simplify the federal tax code

Gosh, one of our presidential candidates apparently has paid no federal income tax. Do we blame him or do we look for the real culprit?

Most taxpayers avail themselves of every credit and deduction allowed by the federal tax code. So, if the aforementioned candidate’s tax preparer uses every credit and tax deduction allowed, why get upset with the candidate? We should be more upset with the tax code with all its complexities.

A more simple method of funding the federal government would be to replace the current tax code with a national sales tax. Families at or below the poverty level would be protected with a “prebate” for the taxes paid on food and medicines. Drug dealers, those being paid “under the table” and visitors from other countries would all pay the sales tax. The rich will pay more for their expensive toys. Sales of new items already include hidden taxes that would be deducted from the sale price once the “fair tax” is implemented. The sales tax would then bring the prices up to existing price levels.

I urge everyone to go to fairtax.org for more information or read the fair tax book written by Neal Bortz.

This story was originally published June 2, 2016 at 3:07 AM with the headline "Letter: ‘Fair tax’ would simplify the federal tax code."