Optimizing Income Tax Equity: The Ability-to-Pay Principle and Capital Income Considerations
This analysis explores the application of income taxes in the 21st century, emphasizing the ability-to-pay principle as a benchmark for equity and equality. It critiques the justification of wealth taxes when income from capital is comprehensively defined, advocating for relief for shareholders to avoid economic double taxation. The study highlights the conflicts of taxing private property at varied rates, the benefits of the accrual method for determining capital income, and the inclusion of capital gains in the income taxation scheme. It stresses the importance of inflation neutrality and proposes a method for effective implementation.
Optimizing Income Tax Equity: The Ability-to-Pay Principle and Capital Income Considerations
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Presentation Transcript
Thesis 1 In order to optimize equity and equality in the application of income taxes in the 21. Century the ability-to-pay principle still is the most adequate guide.
Thesis 2 A wealth tax cannot be justified if the perso- nal income tax has been based on a compre- hensive notion of income from capital.
Thesis 3 A personal income tax based on a notion of income from capital that does not make any difference between entrepreneurs and investors, should give all shareholders a relief for the corporate income tax in order to avoid economic double taxation on the profits of the corporation.
Thesis 4 Given a tax base comprising real income from labour and enterprise, the implemen- tation for all private property of fictitious income at a different rate is in conflict with the ability-to-pay principle.
Thesis 5 The accrual method is, for taxpayers as well as for the tax authorities, the most bene- volent method to determine income from capital.
Thesis 6 Deferral is not necessarily in conflict with horizontal and vertical equity or with the notion of economic efficiency.
Thesis 7 Capital gains should be included in the general income taxation scheme. Special (business) reliefs can be justified for rein- vestment and to prevent the break up of businesses. However, departing from a reali- zation concept with respect to the notion of income, as a main rule, capital losses should only be compensated with capital income, including capital gains.
Thesis 8 In a civilized income tax regime inflation neutrality is indispensable. The method of compensation for inflation should be struc- tural and equal for all types of income. Scientists should produce a method that is theoretically acceptable and feasible at the same time. This method could be optional for taxpayers.