Eliminate the IRS and the Income Tax as Well

The subject of taxation in the United States has long been contentious, especially since the ratification of the 16th Amendment in 1913, which empowered Congress to impose a federal income tax. This amendment was adopted following a Supreme Court ruling that deemed such taxes unconstitutional, prompting widespread concern among citizens and media alike. President Woodrow Wilson’s subsequent signing of the Revenue Act of 1913 established what many now recognize as a progressive income tax framework. Critics at the time foresaw potential dangers in the law, which granted extensive inquisitorial powers to tax officials. Reflecting on the current landscape, taxpayers are still feeling the burdensome consequences of an increasingly complex tax code, which has been estimated to waste Americans billions annually—both in monetary terms and hours spent navigating the intricate filing process.

As of 2024, the costs associated with tax filing are staggering. Estimates suggest over $133 billion is spent annually by Americans to submit their tax returns, compounded by the time-consuming process that might involve up to 6.5 billion hours of work. On top of this, the intricacies of the tax code—now comprising over 10 million words—have compounded the difficulty of keeping up with eligibility for varying deductions and credits. Such a convoluted system falls short of clarity and accessibility, leaving many taxpayers lost and frustrated. The IRS, tasked with managing this system, has reported both its challenges in preventing fraud and its struggles with processing legitimate claims, revealing that a high percentage of fraud alerts may actually correspond to legitimate taxpayers.

The potential for the tax code to serve as a tool for social and political influence is significant. The myriad deductions and credits embedded in the tax system allow lawmakers to incentivize behaviors they deem beneficial, such as home ownership or health insurance coverage. While well-intentioned, this level of government control risks enabling the manipulation of taxpayers’ financial decisions. The dependence on such a vast and detailed framework leaves citizens vulnerable; as Chief Justice John Marshall noted, “the power to tax involves the power to destroy.” Historical instances reflect this reality, where presidents have wielded tax powers to target political adversaries, revealing an unsettling precedent for their use in civil liberty infringements.

Historically, the IRS has been involved in scandals concerning politically motivated audits and restrictions, undermining the integrity of tax enforcement. For instance, President John F. Kennedy implemented the Ideological Organizations Project to target far-right groups that he feared could threaten political stability. Similarly, Richard Nixon’s infamous “Enemies List” drew considerable scrutiny toward individuals deemed politically undesirable. These past actions illustrate a dangerous precedent for the IRS as a political weapon—an aspect brought back into focus with recent controversies surrounding the audits of those associated with political dissent. One notable case includes the IRS’s mishandling of applications from Tea Party-affiliated nonprofits in 2012, which ended up being politically charged.

Beyond the historical issues at hand, the personal impact of taxation extends to the dehumanization of labor. When individuals negotiate wages, they’ve agreed upon a price for their labor, a transaction that should respect their autonomy and dignity. However, the government takes a portion of these earnings and mandates payment before individuals can even utilize their hard-fought wages. This dynamic mirrors the relationship between a worker and an exploiter, like a mob boss demanding a cut, leaving little room for individual agency. If taxation is indeed essential for funding government services, there’s an argument to be made for it to be conducted in a less invasive manner that acknowledges the taxpayer’s humanity.

A compelling solution that presents itself is the abolition of the IRS alongside the income tax. This drastic measure, while seemingly radical, proposes a reevaluation of the current taxation system. Advocates for such a change argue that doing so would relieve taxpayers from the burdens of excessive complexity and intrusive governmental oversight. By eliminating these functions and the income tax, it would allow individuals to have full control over their earnings without the looming threat of an extensive tax code that often appears more like an obstacle than support. In considering the restoration of dignity to the taxpayer’s experience, it is essential to question whether the methods of taxation currently in place serve the populace or create additional layers of hardship.

In conclusion, the complexities and historical challenges of the U.S. tax system call for an urgent reevaluation of its structure and intent. From the inception of the income tax with the 16th Amendment to the current entanglement of political maneuvering through IRS policies, taxpayers are grappling with a legacy of inefficiency and perceived exploitation. The argument for abolishing the IRS alongside the income tax posits a path forward that respects individual autonomy and diminishes governmental overreach. Rather than perpetuating a system steeped in bureaucratic hassle and potential political misdeeds, a redefined approach to taxation could pave the way for a more equitable and respectful financial landscape—one that embraces the dignity of the hardworking citizens it serves.