I think tax reform is one of those sticky wickets where we all agree it is necessary, but have differing ideas on how to go about it.

Personally, I am not against the thought of a national sales tax. Current tax law has too many loopholes, and most folks have to use accountants to get the most possible. I would personally like to see most deductions abolished, and yes, that certainly includes deductions for "dependents". It's like the government giving you incentive to procreate, IMO. (Yeah, yeah, I know that was a really radical and inappropriate statement, but I am the token weirdo around this blog. Among others.)

Frankly, I think personal tax reform isn't nearly as important as corporate tax reform...I read that 61% of businesses paid no taxes last year. WTF? Someobdy fix this problem please.

Jo:

It's like the government giving you incentive to procreate, IMO.

If you've ever heard me rant about public education you'd know that you really aren't that radical or weird around here, at least with respect to this topic.

Someobdy fix this problem please.

Sorry, but I don't consider this to be a problem. I don't necessarily think that this is a problem.

Jo, do you mean 61% of businesses as you say, or 61% of corporations? The overwhelming majority of businesses are sole proprietorships, taxes on which are collected as personal, not corporate income tax.

If (as I would immediately suspect of anyone else making the same complaint using the same terms) you are calling for corporate tax reform because you've read somewhere that 61% of businesses paid no taxes last year, the distinction between the terms might warrant a reconsideration.

Jerry,

I was speaking in regards to tax reform on the whole. As in somebody fix it.

Kevin,

I may have misread. At any rate, I would like to see across the board reform.

Jo: Being the economic conservative that I am, I don't have a problem with businesses paying less taxes. The more money they have to work with, the better the economy will do (in a very simplistic sense, that is). Of course, I believe in lower taxes across the board, but that is another discussion. Basically, I took from your comment (and I may have misinterpreted it) that you may be one of those people who thinks that businesses/corporations should pay more taxes because somehow it is unfair that individuals have to shoulder the burden for massive government expenditures while the big, bad corporations don't have to. Much the way that some people feel that the evil "rich" should pay a larger percentage of their incomes to taxation than us poor, downtrodden masses. I have strong feelings on this topic (can you guess) and I probably read too much into your statement. Sorry.

This will be the first year I file business taxes. i am scared ****less. I do believe businesses should pay appropriate taxes, i.e., let's not turn a blind eye to those who via illegal means do not pay taxes. It's unfair to business owners who are ethical.

Everyone needs to pay their share. Hence my statement about deductions and all...currently, there's too many loopholes and via slick accountants two households with the same income can come away with completely different tax burdens. I think we need to stop that from happening.