Topic: Taxation

No, the Poor Don’t Pay Higher Taxes Than the Rich

– October 8, 2019

A new report in the New York Times claims the ultra-wealthy pay a lower tax rate than the poor. A closer look at tax statistics reveals that story is also likely wrong.

Regulation, Taxation

A Country Is Not a Private Club

– October 7, 2019

Private clubs are voluntary associations. Opting out of citizenship altogether is not a realistic option.

Taxation

A Wealth Tax on the Rich Won’t End Deficits

– July 3, 2019

Some economists are touting Elizabeth Warren’s wealth tax as a solution to our budget woes. Closer examination reveals that their revenue projections are wildly exaggerated.

Rembrandt_-_The_Parable_of_the_Rich_Fool

Taxation

Government Is Not a Wise Steward

– July 3, 2019

“Every individual, it is evident, can, in his local situation, judge much better than any statesman or lawgiver can do for him.” ~ Adam Smith

Taxation

Nothing Is More Expensive Than a Free Government Service

– July 2, 2019

Every promise of a free government service should be greeted with instant, habitual, and empirically verified incredulity.

Taxation

The Carbon Tax Fails the Public-Choice Test

– July 1, 2019

An “efficient” carbon tax — one that truly solves the so-called “market failure” problem — requires that government officials first divine the optimal rate of emissions and then set the tax at a level that will result in this rate of emissions.

Taxation

Dear Billionaires, the US Treasury Awaits Your Voluntary Contribution

– July 1, 2019

The opportunity to voluntarily tax yourself at rates you so choose is available to you via the US Treasury.

Free Trade, Taxation

No, Mr. President, Tariffs Do Not Cause Prosperity

– May 5, 2019

The prospect that the US president would conclude that tariffs cause growth has always been the downside of good economic numbers. Good performance of the macroeconomy only encourages his worst instincts to impose more harmful trade policies.

Regulation, Taxation

If You Try to Quit the Habit, We’ll Tax You

– April 29, 2019

Unfortunately, these foolish mistakes will be made on the back of smokers who may get to switch away from tobacco.

Taxation

Punitive Taxation of America’s Richest

– April 24, 2019

Taken together, the top quintile of earners, representing 53 percent of total income, paid 70 percent of all federal taxes, or 17 percentage points above their fair share.

Taxation

Economists Should First Do No Harm

– March 8, 2019

We ought to attack the true root cause of inequality — that is, rent-seeking. This is far more productive than redistributing the rents that the rent-seekers captured.

Taxation

The Amazon Deal Was An Outrage From the Beginning

– February 15, 2019

There is never any good reason for government to subsidize a private company. Such handouts are appalling in their cronyism, in addition to being a sign of economic ignorance.