How is this for a fairer income tax: exempt all individual incomes up to the national median; eliminate all other exemptions and deductions; above the exempt amount impose an increasing rate of taxation on higher ranges of income, the rates and ranges set in order to achieve a balanced budget. This will untax income earned producing goods and services and shift the "burden" of taxation to income derived from special privileges under the law.
Madison's concerns were certainly real. What no President has been able to publicly champion is freedom FROM religion. Religious organizations ought at a minimum pay an annual fee to the local government equal to the rental value of whatever land the organization holds. This would compensate the entire community for the cost of public services the religious organization benefits from.
thanks for your comment, Ed. I think they should be taxed on ALL income apart from direct donations/offerings and all income made FROM investments with offerings. Pastors should be taxed at the same rate as all citizens and NO SPECIAL deductions such as the housing allowance, travel, etc.
How is this for a fairer income tax: exempt all individual incomes up to the national median; eliminate all other exemptions and deductions; above the exempt amount impose an increasing rate of taxation on higher ranges of income, the rates and ranges set in order to achieve a balanced budget. This will untax income earned producing goods and services and shift the "burden" of taxation to income derived from special privileges under the law.
Not bad. But it has zero chance of adoption unless we get the money out of elections and overturn Citizens United.
Madison's concerns were certainly real. What no President has been able to publicly champion is freedom FROM religion. Religious organizations ought at a minimum pay an annual fee to the local government equal to the rental value of whatever land the organization holds. This would compensate the entire community for the cost of public services the religious organization benefits from.
thanks for your comment, Ed. I think they should be taxed on ALL income apart from direct donations/offerings and all income made FROM investments with offerings. Pastors should be taxed at the same rate as all citizens and NO SPECIAL deductions such as the housing allowance, travel, etc.