The tax code of the United State is more than 67,000 pages long (USA Today). Even “experts” with the IRS cannot agree with one another on interpretation of the tax code. When 22 IRS offices were evaluated, they gave 22 different answers. This is the biggest joke ever played on the American People. It is impossible for anyone, be they “experts” or the average tax filer, to fully understand and be able to apply nearly 70,000 pages of tax law.
The argument has been made time and time again, that the issue is not tax reform but federal spending. Whereas, I agree that federal spending is out of control, and is in desperate need of correction; however, this does not solve the taxation issue. I believe that both are necessary.
One of the issues the federal spending argument fails to address is the cost of compliance. The cost to American business for complying with 67,000+ pages of tax code is obscene. A few years ago, in 2005 the Tax Foundation estimated that the total cost of compliance with the tax code was $265 Billion dollars. Most estimates just 4 years later put the cost of compliance at over $500 Billion! And these are only individual compliance costs that do not include the costs for corporations and other organizations.
This is a terrible and wholly unnecessary burden to have put onto the taxpayers. The current tax code must be dramatically reduced immediately. 6,700 pages; There should be no more than 6,700 pages of tax code. That change is only the very beginning. It is only filling one hole in the dike that is buckling. A complete overhaul of the tax system is urgently needed. It can no longer be put off.
Effecting permanent simplicity is the goal. For this reason I am a staunch supporter of the Fairtax. The Fairtax will not only solve the mess that is our current tax system it will generate jobs. It will generate new investment in our economy. It will tax the hidden, underground economy.
If you would like to know more about the FairTax the please vist http://www.fairtax.org for more information.
