sales tax reform in America. Specifically it will discuss the idea of an alternate tax system, the National Sales Tax and compare it to the current tax code. A new way of collecting taxes seems much more fair and equitable than the current income tax method, which seems antiquated and unfair. Some large corporations and America's wealthiest people pay very little or no taxes through tax loopholes, which makes the system, rely on the people who can afford it the least. One expert notes, "Certain business entities such as partnerships, small business corporations and limited liability companies are treated for tax purposes as conduits and pay no federal tax at the entity level" (Boyd, 2005). There has been talk about developing a more equitable system that would be fair to everyone, not just a few. Developing a national sales tax system could help decrease the budget deficit, make the…...
mlaReferences
Boyd, T. (2005). Tax reform in a global economy: Shifting the tax burden. Review of Business, 26(2), 48+.
This is a business journal that is greatly impartial in its judgement, so the article is more balanced and fair than one produced by a pro-VAT tax source. It is conservative, but it advocates the positive aspects of a VAT tax on businesses and individuals, and how it would simplify doing business in a global economy, as well.
Kotlikoff, L.J. (2008). Why the fair tax will work. Retrieved 12 June 2009 from the Americans for Fair Tax Web site: http://www.fairtax.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=9321&news_iv_ctrl=1521 .
This is a web site advocating a VAT tax called the "Fair Tax," and so, it exists to convince Americans that a national sales tax is desirable and will work. This particular article refutes an economist's claims the tax is a bad idea, so it is subjective at best, fairly liberal, and funded by like-minded individuals who may not want to hear the other side of the story.
Federal Sales Tax
The purpose of the proposed Fair Tax Act of 2003 is "to promote freedom, fairness and economic opportunity by repealing the income tax and other taxes, abolishing the Internal Revenue Service, and enacting a national sales tax to be administered primarily by the states." (oortz, 2003). Unfortunately, there are a lot of beliefs about the proposed legislation that simply aren't true. Fears range from inflation, lower economic growth, unpredictable revenue shortfalls and unfairness to the poor. This paper explains that these concerns are not only false, but that the exact opposite is true in most instances.
One of the common misperceptions of the Fair Tax Act is that it will fuel inflation and dramatically impact the demand for goods with high price elasticities. However, it's likely that the sales tax will have minimal impact on prices. This is because there are already embedded taxes on all products and services…...
mlaBibliography
Boortz, N. (2003, August 12). End of the income tax? WorldNetDaily. Retrieved November 15, 2005 from Web site: http://www.salestax.org/library/boortz_8-12-03.html
Burton, D.R. And Mastromarco, D.R. (1997, April 15). Emancipating America from the income tax: How a national sales tax would work. Cato Policy Analysis No. 272. Retrieved November 15, 2005 from Web site: http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa-272.html
Edwards, C. (2001, October 17). Simplifying federal taxes. CATO Policy Analysis No. 416. Retrieved November 15, 2005 from Web site: http://www.cato.org/pubs/pas/pa416.pdf
Thumbnail sketch of the FairTax a comprehensive plan to replace income and payroll taxes. Retrieved November 15, 2005 from Web site: http://www.fairtaxvolunteer.org/smart/sketch.html
Internet Tax
The issue of an Internet sales tax has been at the topic of much debate over the past few years. The issue is a complicated one and the budget crises' facing many states has made it a crucial one. The purpose of this discussion is to examine Internet tax legislation. We will begin by exploring the current status of Texas legislation regarding internet Taxation. We will also investigate the Federal Law regarding Internet taxation. Our research will also discuss the National Governors Association's model legislation to streamline and simplify state taxation. Additionally, we will explore the jurisdiction requirements that allow states to impose sales taxes and the case law that affects states' ability to tax Internet sales.
Texas Legislation
In 1999 Texas legislation proposed that the state would join the streamlined sales tax project. In recent years the legislation has adopted the practices of the streamlined sales tax project.
Texas has currently…...
mlaReferences
Goldsmith J.L. - Sykes, A.O. (2001) The Internet and the dormant commerce clause. Yale Law Journal. Volume: 110. Issue: 5. pg 785.
Hardesty, D.
2001) "California's Flawed Case Against Borders Online." E-commerce Tax News. Retrieved July 11, 2003 from, http://www.ecommercetax.com/doc/093001.htm
Kuster, S. And Untermeyer, C. (2001) Internet sales tax legislation could clear state-to-state static. Houston Business Journal. Retrieved July 11, 2003 from, http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2001/05/21/focus7.html
Sugary sodas contain corn syrup, but the American Agricultural Department subsidizes American farmers for growing corn, and this is one of the reasons that high-fructose corn syrup is so ubiquitous in the food supply. e are taxing corn syrup and subsidizing it at the same time, in other words. "The bigger issue, which the industry neither can nor particularly cares to rebut, is that the product [corn syrup] exists at all. e pump absurd quantities of cash into subsidizing corn (we also have a huge tariff on Brazilian sugar cane, incidentally). Over the past 10 years alone, Congress has appropriated more than $50 billion to encourage farmers to grow the stuff. But people don't want to eat $50 billion in subsidized corn. And if the cobs just sat around developing mold, Congress would cut off the spigot. Enter high fructose corn syrup, which sucks up the subsidies and created…...
mlaWorks Cited
Adamy, Jane. "Soda Tax Weighed to Pay for Health Care." The Wall Street Journal. May 12,
2009. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124208505896608647.html
Klein, Ezra. "The Problem with Corn Syrup. The American Prospect. 2008.
This is designed to help support individuals who are dealing with financial challenges. The problem is that select amounts of recipients will use as a way to live off of the government. (Wolf, 2005)
How might a socialist and a capitalist government differ in its treatment of the problem of unemployment?
Socialists want to see massive amounts of government spending to create new jobs, training programs and provide unemployment benefits. A capitalist is opposed to these kinds of programs and believes that charities / private enterprises can address these issues.
In your opinion, should the government have the responsibility of providing health care for every citizen? Why or why not?
Yes, the government should provide health care. The reason why is because prices are increasing exponentially and the number of uninsured is rising. These factors are a sign that there is very little competition inside the sector. To address these imbalances a government…...
mlaReferences
2012 Puerto Rico Statehood Amendment. (2012). Boards. Retrieved from: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=77582334
Commerce Clause. (2012). Britannica. Retrieved from: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/127865/commerce-clause
Principles of Constitutional Construction. (2010). Constitution.org. Retrieved from: http://constitution.org/cons/prin_cons.htm
Sin Taxes. (2005). Six Taxes. Connecticut Voices for Children. Retrieved from: http://www.ctkidslink.org/publications/bud05sintax02.pdf
To minimize the impact on business and property owners, the tax should be one that they can apply at the consumer level. An excise tax raises the cost of goods, whereas a sales tax does the same thing but forces the consumer to pay. A property sales tax would already be applied at the consumer level.
As a citizen, I will not necessary see benefit from these taxes -- it depends on what the taxes are used for. ith regards to paying other taxes, I am only concerned with my total tax burden. Shifting taxes from one type to another, if it for me is tax neutral, is irrelevant. I would prefer that my taxes are reduced overall, and if these taxes facilitate that, then I would prefer them.
orks Cited:
IRS. (2008). Business taxes. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved February 11, 2010 from http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98966,00.html...
mlaWorks Cited:
IRS. (2008). Business taxes. Internal Revenue Service. Retrieved February 11, 2010 from http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=98966,00.html
tax system of one country with that of another is an exercise fraught with dificulties and ultimately doomed to failure . tax system will never be much more than a reflection of strongly national cultures and forces. discuss this statement in the light of your knowledge of comparative tax system in developing and/or developed countries i
Tax Systems
The following pages focus on analyzing the factors of influence on different countries' taxation systems. The paper begins with an introductory section that allows readers understand the point-of-view used in this paper. The following section refers to describing the taxes pand taxation systems used by most countries and their objectives, in order to understand the similarities and differences between these taxation systems. The paper continues with the analysis of several factors that influence countries' tax system design, like cultural factors, technological developments, and natural resources. In order to exemplify this, the taxation systems…...
mlaReference list:
1. Pasekova, M. et al. (2011). Comparative Analysis of Tax Systems: Some Evidence from CEE Countries. World Academy of Science, Engineering, and Technology. Retrieved February 27, 2012.
2. Greenhouse, S. (2011). Tiny Tax on Financial Trades Gains Advocates. The New York Times. Retrieved February 28, 2012 from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/business/global/micro-tax-on-financial-trades-gains-advocates.html?_r=1&pagewanted=all .
3. Ross, M. (2004). Does Taxation lead to Representation? Cambridge University Press. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
4. Seto, T. (2008). Four Core Principles of Tax Design System: Introduced and Applied to the Taxation of Multinationals. Loyola Law School. Retrieved February 28, 2012.
Tax Equity and Fairness
Taxes on property are also known as ad valorem tax imposed on the real value of the estate or other assets that an individual owns. The local government imposes these property taxes and charges are on a recurring basis (Mikesell, 2014). For example, a homeowner either pays their taxes on a yearly basis or gives a monthly fee as part of the mortgage payments. It is worth noting that these taxes are subject to fluctuation basing on the jurisdiction assessment of the property's worth by looking at factors like its market value, condition, location and the changes to the apportioned amount to the various tax recipients. For instance, when residents of a given community vote to have the millage rate increased for their school system, this affects the tax rate on homeowners. Therefore, the tax levied is increased on their properties, and the reverse applies; when the…...
mlaReference List
Laureate Education (Producer). (2008). Budget management functions: Revenue [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
Mikesell, J. L. (2014). Fiscal Administration: Analysis And Applications For The Public Sector (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Wadsworth
Tax Liability
A preview of capital structure issues
In regards to the overall business environment, capital structure has profound implications of the business, irrespective of its industry. For one, a firm's capital structure is then the composition or 'structure' of its liabilities. For example, a firm that sells $40 billion in equity and $160 billion in debt is said to be 20% equity-financed and 80% debt-financed. The firm's ratio of debt to total financing, 80% in this example is referred to as the firm's leverage. This leverage has implications on the entire firm. For example, leverage in many respects is a double edges sword. On one hand, leverage can amplify gains for firms. However, if used incorrectly, leverage can also amplify loses. As such, firms must be cognizant of its capital structure as complacency can hinder overall business performance. Debt and equity financing, can have a profound implications on the business overall.…...
mlaReferences:
1) Myers, Stewart C.; Majluf, Nicholas S. (1984). "Corporate financing and investment decisions when firms have information that investors do not have." Journal of Financial Economics 13 (2): 187 -- 221
2) Baker, Malcolm P; Wurgler, Jeffrey (2002). "Market Timing and Capital Structure." Journal of Finance 57 (1): 1 -- 32.
3) Lyandres, Evgeny and Zhdanov, Alexei, Investment Opportunities and Bankruptcy Prediction (February 2007) Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=946240
4) Timmer, Jan (2011). Understanding the Fed Model, Capital Structure, and then Some.
The different types of fundraisers are numerous. Some groups choose to hold auctions or raffles in which they make profits off the sale goods that have been donated. Others choose from many different types of activities such as a walk-a-thon or bowl -a-thon. During these events money is raised by donations from supporters based on how many times, or for how long a specific activity is accomplished (What are the Different Types of Fundraisers, 2009). Tele-a-thons are also very popular ways for some nonprofit organizations to raise money.
Fundraising is not always an easy thing to do but it is a very vital function for all nonprofit organizations. It is so vital because this is the way that these organizations obtain the funds that they need to go about doing what their organization was originally set up to do. These campaigns are usually their only source of income. So in…...
mlaReferences
Fund Development Plan. (2009). Retrieved December 5, 2009, from Florida Philanthropic
Advisors Web site: http://www.floridagives.org/developmentplan.html
Non-profit organizations. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2009, from Cornell University Law
School Web site: http://topics.law.cornell.edu/wex/Non-profit_organizations
Tax Deductions: Are Unpaid Loans Tax Deductible?
John loaned his friend Jack $1,000. Jack did not repay the debt and left town. John wants to know if he can claim any tax deduction, and, if so, what is the character of the deduction? However, to answer John's question, one must first find out more information about the nature of the loan. This is critical because there are two broad types of loans and debts: business loans and personal loans. Furthermore, under the correct circumstances, it is possible for people to take tax deductions for certain types of business loans and personal loans. Knowing whether John made Jack a loan from his personal money or from his business money is the crucial first step in determining which, if any, Internal evenue Service (IS) regulations or tax laws will permit John to deduct the unpaid debt.
If John is a business owner and made…...
mlaReferences
Bailey, A.C. (2014). Unpaid personal loans can reduce your tax bill. Retrieved April 12, 2014
from MyTaxHQ website: http://mytaxhq.com/unpaid-personal-loans-can-reduce-your-tax-bill/
Fishman, S. (2013, June 7). Bad loans to friends and family may be tax deductible. Retrieved April 11, 2014 from Inman News website: http://www.inman.com/2013/06/07/bad-loans-to-friends-and-family-may-be-tax-deductible/
Internal Revenue Service. (2013, December 12). Topic 453- Bad debt deduction. Retrieved April 12, 2014 from IRS website: http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc453.html
Tax Returns for C Corporation and Partnerships
Tasty Treats and Beverages is a registered company in the United States. The company was incorporated in 2004, and operates under the C Corporation for the tax purpose. A C-corporation refers as a business entity subject to the federal income tax. A company operating under the C Corporation can enjoy host of tax credit that can assist it to enjoy a tax reduction that the company has to pay to the federal government. This paper uses the excerpt from the Tasty Treats & Beverages, Inc. annual income statement to prepare the tax return for the company.(See Appendix 1).
Tasty Treats & Beverages, Inc.
Income Statement ($)
For year ended December 31, 2013
Revenue from sales
1,500,000
Total Expenses
(885,050)
Income before taxes
284,450
Federal income tax expense
96,713
Net income after taxes
187,737
As being revealed in the company statement of income data, the income before tax was $284,450 and federal income tax expenses was $96,713. The paper…...
Medicare, in addition to covering the elderly, is made available to lower-income individuals, and other direct assistance programs also go to these individuals. Combined with other goods and services such as road maintenance and other infrastructure, national security, etc., which are all consumed essentially evenly (again, in one perspective), this would mean that those at the lowest end of the economic spectrum consume the most and should pay the most -- a regressive tax that places the largest burden on those with the least ability to pay (417). In another perspective, however, those with high levels of income, wealth, and consumption benefit a much greater degree from the general services the government provides. The owner of a company benefits from the roads each time an employee drives into work, and from airwaves every time an Internet sale is made, and so on. Calculated thus, the benefit principle would lead…...
orks Cited
Thorndike, Joseph J. "The IRS Is Hiding Its History." The ashington Times.
December 19, 1997, p. A23. February 18, 2008. http://www.taxhistory.org/thp/readings.nsf/cf7c9c870b600b9585256df80075b9dd/9de7fcd59915a3be85256e430079327d?OpenDocument
Question
After 9/11, the Federal Reserve Bank, then led by Alan Greenspan, used monetary policy reduced the interest rate, or the rate that consumers must pay to borrow money. This did encourage individuals to spend more. However, it is still debatable if this was the most vital component in extricating America from the throws of economic recession. Government spending, or fiscal as opposed to monetary policy, is often seen as a more direct and superior way to rapidly change economic conditions. Fiscal policy was required to stimulate America's recovery from the Great Depression, according to conventional wisdom, although some still argue that it was the Hoover administration's monetary policy that was ineffective, not that monetary policy was ineffective altogether.
But most economists believe that, to get the economy 'moving' again, spending by…...
mlaWorks Cited
Heakal, Reem. "What is fiscal policy?" Investopedia. October 22, 2008. http://www.investopedia.com/articles/04/051904.asp
Question
Fairness does matter when creating a tax system. In terms of a consumption tax, the poor often consume more than the rich, at least in terms of a percentage of their income. While for a wealthy individual, much of his income can be locked up in assets, making money off of money, for a poor individual, the bulk of his or her income is devoted to buying necessary goods, including rent and food. The consumption tax taxes everyone equally on the surface, regardless of how someone has benefited from the economic system of a particular society, and actually favors those who can allocate their income to sectors of the economy that are not taxed (such as investments, which are not technically consumption).
A flat tax, where everyone pays the same amount, has similar problems in terms of allocating wealth. 15% of a poor person's income, a person who must pay for his or her rent, food, and necessities out of his or her weekly paycheck, means more to that individual than 15% of an income where much of that income can be devoted to investments and luxuries. While not as unfair as a consumption tax as investment income is also taxed, a flat tax is still unfair, and finding the right percentage to finance government operations yet not to be prohibitively costly for the poorest members of society is a difficult balance to strike. The only good thing about the flat tax is its simplicity, as along with the consumption tax as it requires less bureaucracy to enforce. Bureaucracy is expensive as well as frustrating (as anyone who has ever had to fill out a tax form beyond the standard EZ-file well knows!).
Income Tax Deduction
Taxes have existed in the United States for all of its existence but they took on many forms prior to the modern income tax. The income tax was not finalized and permanently ensconced in the United States law until the 1910's. The tax rates, at its normal levels, have been adjusted upwards and downwards depending on the economic cycles with the most recently developments being the "Bush Tax Cuts" of the 2000's and the recent tax spikes under the Obama Administration. While income taxes affect some more than others, nearly all people are affected based on the assets/income they possess and earn as well as the familial structure they maintain.
Common Tax Deductions
As noted in the introduction, familial status and assets/income are far and away the biggest determinants on how much tax is paid, if any. Indeed, some people actually get money from the government and technically have a…...
mlaReferences
IRS. (2014, February 28). Internal Revenue Service. 401(k) Plans. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/401 (k)-Plans
IRS. (2014, February 28). The Health Insurance Marketplace. The Health Insurance Marketplace. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from http://www.irs.gov/uac/Newsroom/The-Health-Insurance-Marketplace
IRS. (2014, February 28). SOI Tax Stats - S Corporation Statistics. SOI Tax Stats - S Corporation Statistics. Retrieved February 28, 2014, from http://www.irs.gov/uac/SOI-Tax-Stats-S-Corporation-Statistics
IRS. (2014, February 28). EP Abusive Tax Transactions - S Corporation ESOP Abuse of Delayed Effective Date for Section 409(p). EP Abusive Tax Transactions - S Corporation ESOP Abuse of Delayed Effective Date for Section 409(p). Retrieved February 28, 2014, from http://www.irs.gov/Retirement-Plans/EP-Abusive-Tax-Transactions-S-Corporation-ESOP-Abuse-of-Delayed-Effective-Date-for-Section-409 (p)
Essay Topic 1: Fiscal Challenges of Local Governments
Introduction: Discuss the increasing financial pressures faced by local governments, including declining tax revenues, rising service demands, and unfunded pension liabilities.
Body Paragraph 1: Explore the impact of state and federal policies on local government funding, such as budget cuts and revenue restrictions.
Body Paragraph 2: Analyze the role of property taxes as a major source of local revenue and the challenges associated with maintaining fair and equitable assessments.
Body Paragraph 3: Discuss alternative revenue sources, such as fees, user charges, and sales taxes, and their potential advantages and disadvantages.
Conclusion: Offer....
Original Thesis Statement:
A Comparative Analysis of Online Shopping vs. Traditional Shopping
Refined Thesis Statement:
While both online and traditional shopping offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, a comprehensive analysis reveals that online shopping has emerged as the preferred choice for consumers due to its convenience, broader selection, and competitive pricing.
Extended Explanation:
Convenience:
Online shopping eliminates the need for physical travel, saving consumers time and effort.
Customers can shop from the comfort of their own homes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Delivery options provide flexibility and reduce the hassle of carrying purchases.
Selection:
Online retailers offer a far wider selection of....
Understanding the law on e-commerce is crucial for businesses operating online. Here are a few reasons why it is important:
1. Compliance with regulations: E-commerce laws are in place to protect consumers and ensure fair business practices. By understanding and following these regulations, businesses can avoid legal issues and penalties.
2. Protection of personal data: Being aware of laws governing the collection and handling of personal data is essential for safeguarding customer information. Compliance with data protection laws is crucial to maintaining trust and credibility with customers.
3. Intellectual property rights: E-commerce businesses must understand laws related to trademarks, copyrights, and patents to....
Importance of Understanding the Law on E-Commerce
E-commerce, or electronic commerce, has revolutionized the way businesses and consumers interact. With the rise of the internet and digital technologies, transactions are increasingly taking place online, creating both opportunities and challenges that require a thorough understanding of the legal framework governing e-commerce.
1. Consumer Protection
E-commerce laws aim to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive practices. Consumers have specific rights related to online purchases, including:
Right to Accurate Information: Merchants must provide clear and accurate information about products and services, including descriptions, prices, and delivery terms.
Right to Return Goods: Consumers may have the right....
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