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Flat tax proposals: A current review, with a history of the arguments pro and con

Advances in Accountability: Regulation, Research, Gender and Justice

ISBN: 978-0-76230-518-6, eISBN: 978-1-84950-030-2

Publication date: 6 April 2001

Abstract

This paper reviews recent political proposals for a flat tax within a broad historical perspective. That perspective traces economic and philosophical arguments about a “just” tax from the 16th century to the present, focusing on progressive versus flat marginal tax rates. The conclusion is that none of the flat tax proposals differ dramatically and none proposes a pure flat tax. The political debate is one that focuses on the issue of whether or not an incalculable and only potential inequity cost to society is overshadowed by a calculable benefit by reducing compliance cost and possibly stimulating economic growth by the reduction of marginal tax rates.

Citation

Kyj, L.S., Romeo, G.C. and Marshall, P.S. (2001), "Flat tax proposals: A current review, with a history of the arguments pro and con", Lehman, C.R. (Ed.) Advances in Accountability: Regulation, Research, Gender and Justice (Advances in Public Interest Accounting, Vol. 8), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 157-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1041-7060(01)08008-7

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2001, Emerald Group Publishing Limited